eAction May 2012

Ease Your Worried Mind

With our Annual Stress Relief Guide

Office Outdoors Everybody faces a little bit of stress in their lives. However a lot of stress may cause problems. It's tough to step out of our multitasking, multi-media driven lives, but experts everywhere are calling for people to find ways to nix that chronic stress for their health's sake. If you make a habit of engaging in activities that help you clear your mind, refocus and enjoy the present moment, your stress levels just might drop and you may just find yourself healthier and happier. So go get that massage, go for a hike or spend a little extra time in your garden. And don't you feel one bit guilty about it; your body and mind will thank you for it.

What, Me Worry?

Not with These Great Discounts!

There really is nothing like a massage or spa treatment to help you banish stress! Save on a trip to a spa near you by browsing the Massage / Spa / Relaxation category.
Sweat it out! Exercise has long been touted as one of the main ways to reduce the physical and psychological effects of stress. Try a new Dance class, go Running / Jogging / Walking or sign up at a Fitness / Health Club to get moving and whisk that stress away!
Does getting fit while re-energizing your mind sound as awesome to you as it does to us? If so, check out savings on Yoga / Pilates or tai chi (found in the Martial Arts category) classes and learn how to meditate in motion!
Get outta Dodge! A weekend away can do wonders for your spirit and stress levels. Check out savings on Hotels / Rentals / Lodging, Travels / Tours and more in our Travel and Adventure categories.

Worried About Missing Discounts?

Man Checking feed Follow Us on Facebook and Twitter

Did you know that we have great discounts to Disneyland? How about that Wicked tickets in Portland were available through LifeBalance? Or that the Seattle Sounders have discounted a few home games for us? Well, you would've if you followed us on Facebook and Twitter! We post info about various discounts all week long, so not only can you stay up to speed on what's available, but you'll have that little reminder in your newsfeed telling you to check LifeBalance before you go do fun and healthy stuff.

Did You Know?

Interesting Facts and Figures

A recent study showed that participants who engaged in the most enjoyable leisure activities not only showed lower blood pressure and total cortisol levels, but also lower waist circumference and body mass indexes than those who did not engage in many leisure activities. Looks like it's time to do something fun! Save on a variety of recreational activities, from Bowling / Mini Golf to Kayaking / Canoeing to Arts & Crafts
Studies show that spending time in nature lowers blood pressure, pulse rates and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In Japan, where these studies were first conducted, the practice, dubbed “forest bathing,” has become so popular that the government there has created over 40 “forest therapy” sites and some companies are adding forest therapy to their health benefits! Reduce stress and get outside with savings in categories like Backpacking / Camping / Hiking.
May is National Bike Month! Browse the Cyclingcategory for savings on all of your biking needs and trips!
Having a garden can reduce stress! A study in Sweden showed that participants with a garden at home reported significantly lower levels of stress than those who had no garden. Save in the Gardening / Gardens category.

Why Start Walking?

By LO Solutions

There's no arguing that the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can transform your mental and physical health. Research shows that a regular walking regimen may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and more. And, it may even help keep you mentally sharp! If this weren't enough, many people who walk regularly also report less stress, better sleep, more energy, and a sense of empowerment from taking an active role in their health. These are just a few reasons why you'll see so many people walking every chance they get!

Some feel you need to run to see results, but that simply isn't true. Brisk, purposeful walking does produce results and can easily be worked into even the busiest of schedules. These days, getting more steps logged on your pedometer is all the rage and may be the ultimate life enhancer. Although walking is intuitive enough for even a child to learn, it becomes quite transformative with intention. So, don't just make walking a habit; make it a habit full of purpose!

If you're not convinced yet, here are 5 more reasons to start walking:

Walk for Weight Loss: Walking works the major muscle groups (especially the abs if done correctly), raises your heart rate, burns calories, and may help you lose weight; all with a third of the impact running has on your joints. Depending on your individual factors, just 30-60 minutes/day (can be broken up), most days of the week, can lead to weight loss!
Walk for Better Posture: Help your body find its natural alignment. Strive to move from your hip joint and lift from the crown of your head up, keep your chin back and over your sternum, engage your core and breath with every step.
Walk for Inspiration: Stressed at work and can't think straight anymore? Whether you're staring at a blank screen or just stuck, a walk may be just the thing you need to bust through a roadblock. It can set the stage for inspired thinking and major mental breakthroughs by giving you access to your full range of thought power.
Walk away Stress: When done correctly, walking can be right up there with yoga and tai chi as a powerful mindful practice; like meditation in motion. Find a peaceful place and breathe your tension away. Focus your awareness to target tension and find the body's relaxation response.
Walk for You: Feel like you do everything for everyone else and put yourself last? Walking in 5-10 minute increments several times/day does not take much out of your day and can keep you healthy so you can continue to do all the things you love. The small walks add up so start now and never stop walking.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are solely those of the LifeBalance Vendor who authored the article, and are not necessarily the view of the LifeBalance Program or its clients. If you have comments or questions regarding this article please contact LifeBalance directly. Thank you.

Selecting the Right Massage for You!

By A Legacy of Massage

You've decided to get a massage but don't know the difference between different types. Use this simple overview to help you choose!

Swedish Massage

Description: Swedish Body Massage is the "hands on approach" to massage therapy that keeps the western philosophy of medicine in mind. There are five main Swedish Massage strokes that are used to provide a gentle manipulation of the muscles with the use of special oils. These special oils and creams are hypoallergenic and some essential oils are or can be used for a specific condition of the client. By using all the different massage strokes, there are physiological effects that happen not only underneath the hands of the therapist but also through the nervous system.

Benefits: Swedish Massage is used to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, increase mental awareness, detoxify the immune system, improve flexibility and create general relaxation of mind, body, and spirit, which helps your overall well-being.
LaStone Therapy

Description: LaStone Therapy or Stone Massage is a new alternative to a traditional Swedish Massage. It's an application of thermotherapy usually using smooth, deep penetrating heated volcanic lava basalt stones while contrasting with cool ocean based marble stones. The energies of the stones, when used together, create a slow, warming, deep penetrating massage, making the client feel "recharged" when the treatment is over. Imagine relaxing on a sun warmed pebble beach and totally letting go of all your daily worries, letting the touch of massage therapy with the heat of the stones melt away your tension.

Benefits: The stones are treated to various temperatures which helps clients enter a deeper dimension of relaxation. LaStone Therapy balances all levels of emotional, mental and physical energies in the body.
Lomi Lomi

Description: Lomi Lomi Massage is a beloved Hawaiian tradition that works the muscles with long continuous, flowing strokes. It is very nurturing and soothing for every area of the body, encouraging the client to relax, let go and simply be. Lomi Lomi is a healing practice that goes beyond simply massage. Based on the belief that everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love, the massage therapist's highest intention in Lomi Lomi is to return the client back to harmony and balance. The massage that is given works gently, yet deeply with fluid rhythmic motions using forearms, palms, thumbs and loving hands to give the recipient the feeling as though gentle waves are moving over their body. Through Lomi Lomi, the therapist can help facilitate the release of blocked energies in the body cells as well as muscle tension, while giving energy a new direction to travel throughout the body.

Benefits: This style of bodywork is a physical experience and is said to facilitate healing on many different levels of the body. It increases circulation and restores motion, but Lomi Lomi Massage is ultimately designed to stimulate the client metally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. The ultimate aim is helping clients find alignment within themselves and their environment. Appreciation, acceptance, compassion, respect and so many other elements - the Hawaiian Huna (philosophy) is that these are the foundation of the beautiful massage practice called Lomi Lomi. This is the spirit of the original Hawaiian people. This is the spirit of Aloha.
Foot and Hand Massages

Description: Foot massages invigorate tired, aching, and sore feet - leaving your feet fresh, attractive, tingling and with you feeling better all over. Hand massages pamper your arms and hands, which also invigorates sore and tired upper extremities. You could certainly do with the refreshing feeling that follows a thorough hand or foot massage.

Benefits: There are numerous benefits including calmness and serenity, improved circulation, improved lymph flow, increased energy, balanced emotions, detoxification, relaxation, homeostasis, a safe modality, and emotional release among many others. Since stress can be either mentally, emotionally, physically or environmentally induced, a good foot massage with some reflexology can help the body better respond to prolonged stress and provide a little more peace of mind for you and your body.

Chicken Curry Salad

By The Right Plan

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1 cup apples, chopped
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
1 tsp. curry powder
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise (use light mayonnaise to reduce calories and fat)
1 1/2 tbsp. dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 tbsp. orange zest
2 tbsp. fresh orange juice
2 cups mixed baby greens

Directions:

In a large bowl combine all ingredients except the greens. Toss well, cover, and chill for 15 min.
Divide chicken salad in half, place each serving on top of mixed greens.

Quote of the Month

"Don't worry about a thing, 'Cause every little thing gonna be all right." – Bob Marley

Trivia

Question: According to the FAQs section of the Corepower Yoga website, what does “Namaste” mean? The randomly selected winners will receive a FREE month of unlimited yoga at Corepower Yoga OR a LifeBalance yoga studio in their area.

Last month's trivia question, which asked members to list two types of facials, two types of massage treatments and two types of body treatments available at the Spa at the Avalon, was won by Teri Burtis. Congratulations, Teri!

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