Keri's Wellness Wednesday : How to de-stress in just 20 minutes
All you need is three ingredients and 20 minutes and this will completely change your life!
It is the end of October, we are far away enough from the end of the year to still be in full work mode, but we are also close enough to the end of the year to be completely exhausted and stressed to the max.
Not so long ago I was really feeling like I was burning the candle at both ends, and my stress levels were through the roof. A friend told me about this miracle bath that is supposed to draw out your stress hormone (cortisol) and leave you feeling calm(er) and more refreshed.
I couldn't imagine how a bath with some salts could actually DO ANYTHING, but, when you are desperate you'll try anything. So off I went to get the ingredients and into the bath I went...
WOW!!!! 20 mins later, I felt like a different person.
Did my stress completely go away? No. But I had undoubtedly come out with a LOT less cortisol in my body. My heart rate felt slower, my breathing deeper and my general headspace felt clearer.
Not so long ago I was really feeling like I was burning the candle at both ends, and my stress levels were through the roof. A friend told me about this miracle bath that is supposed to draw out your stress hormone (cortisol) and leave you feeling calm(er) and more refreshed.
I couldn't imagine how a bath with some salts could actually DO ANYTHING, but, when you are desperate you'll try anything. So off I went to get the ingredients and into the bath I went...
WOW!!!! 20 mins later, I felt like a different person.
Did my stress completely go away? No. But I had undoubtedly come out with a LOT less cortisol in my body. My heart rate felt slower, my breathing deeper and my general headspace felt clearer.
Epsom Salt and Bicarbonate of Soda Bath.
(if you don't have a bath at home, you can fill a bucket with warm water and put your feet and legs into the bucket and chill there)
You will need:
- 2 cups Epsom salts (1 cup can also work if you are doing this bath regularly)
- 2 cups bicarbonate of soda (or 1 cup if doing this bath regularly)
- 5-10 drops your favourite essential oil. I usually add lavender for extra relaxation. If your immune system is a little low add eucalyptus and if you want an energizing (but calming) bath add peppermint oil to the mix. This step isn't compulsory but I definitely suggest it
The hardest part of this entire process, is actually finding those 20 mins.
RULES:
NO cellphone or tablet (no social media)
NO children/partner
NO television
NO mindless reading (like gossip mag) - this is only because this is a time for you to rejuvenate and reboot. Allow your brain time to just be, and not have to take in unnecessary information.
You CAN have: candles; relaxing music without lyrics; your favourite positive book; glass of water or herbal tea.
When you are ready to relax, run a warm bath and add the Epsom salts, bicarb, and essential oil. An easy way to remember the composition of the bath is 2-2-20. 2 cups Epsom, 2 cups bicarb, and 20 mins soaking.
Light your candles, add peaceful music if you choose and set your alarm (in another room) for 20mins.
ENJOY!!!
"Most skin experts say to soak for 20 minutes to allow the Epsom salts to pull the toxins from your pores, but not more than 20 minutes as you risk re-absorbing the impurities."
Note: Epsom salt can pose a serious safety risk if taken orally. Unless directed by a licensed health care provider, do not take Epsom salts orally.
RULES:
NO cellphone or tablet (no social media)
NO children/partner
NO television
NO mindless reading (like gossip mag) - this is only because this is a time for you to rejuvenate and reboot. Allow your brain time to just be, and not have to take in unnecessary information.
You CAN have: candles; relaxing music without lyrics; your favourite positive book; glass of water or herbal tea.
When you are ready to relax, run a warm bath and add the Epsom salts, bicarb, and essential oil. An easy way to remember the composition of the bath is 2-2-20. 2 cups Epsom, 2 cups bicarb, and 20 mins soaking.
Light your candles, add peaceful music if you choose and set your alarm (in another room) for 20mins.
ENJOY!!!
"Most skin experts say to soak for 20 minutes to allow the Epsom salts to pull the toxins from your pores, but not more than 20 minutes as you risk re-absorbing the impurities."
Note: Epsom salt can pose a serious safety risk if taken orally. Unless directed by a licensed health care provider, do not take Epsom salts orally.