It's been a long
day, a long week…heck, the whole month seems to be moving at a snail's
pace. If you need a pick-me-up, how about some good food, relaxation,
and maybe a little laughter. We've got 15 great ideas for affordable,
healthy indulgences that will recharge your energy and spirit.
Nibble a Piece of Dark Chocolate
Sweet, rich, with a
luscious taste that lingers, few things feel as indulgent as eating
dark chocolate. And the charms of this treat go beyond its silky
smoothness. The "prescription": Nibble an ounce of dark chocolate each
day. The healthy possibilities: lower blood pressure, increased blood
flow, and improved "good" cholesterol. Now that's a luxury worth
lingering over.
Scent a Room With Lavender
People have been
smitten with aromatic herbs for centuries, filling pillows and pockets
with them. Now research hints at what we've always suspected:
Aromatherapy seems to be good for you. It may may not provide all the
health benefits some essential oils makers would like you to believe,
but studies show that breathing in natural perfumed scents can lift
mood. So, indulge in some aromatherapy. Spritz lavender water on your
pillow tonight. Pleasant dreams!
Indulge in a Kiss
You dash in the
door late from work, say hello to your mate, then run off to a child's
soccer practice or your book club. Wait! Stop a minute -- yes, a whole
minute -- and give your spouse a really big kiss. Not only will giving
your sweetheart a little sugar burn calories, but that kiss reduces
stress, benefits your immune system, and boosts your bond with your
spouse.
Splurge on a Fresh Tuna Steak
Give the can opener
a rest and slice into a succulent tuna steak tonight. You'll not only
delight tired taste buds, but you'll also give your body omega-3 fatty
acids, super fats that are important to heart health and storing energy.
And who doesn't need more opportunities for healthy eating? Dig in!
Get a Manicure
Those hands of
yours are like busy bees. They fly over a computer keyboard, wield
hammer and nails, tuck in the kids, hug your honey, scrub, brush,
floss...
Whew. Indulge these dedicated workers with a manicure.
Like massage, a manicure involves contact with another person through
touch, which not only makes you feel pampered, it may even improve
self-esteem. Now
that's a stress reliever.
Rent a Funny Movie
Go ahead, laugh it
up -- it's good for you! Studies show that a good belly laugh takes the
zap out of stress, pumps up your immunity, improves blood flow, and
stabilizes blood pressure. A good chuckle may even help keep blood sugar
levels down and aid digestion. Just
anticipating laughter seems to reduce stress. You may start to feel better just watching the opening credits roll.
Put the Kettle On
Even in this
coffee-besotted nation, the average American sips more than 9 gallons of
tea a year. Part of the appeal may be tea's tension-taming powers.
Research shows that folks who enjoyed four cups of black tea a day for
six weeks released fewer stress hormones after a tense task than those
who drank a caffeinated fruit drink. Green tea has similar benefits. So
put that kettle on, pull out your favorite mug, and steep a pot of your
favorite tea today.
Enjoy a Little After-Work Delight
You've sat through
meetings, raced through deadlines, and after work you just want to
crash. Forget the TV. Forget making dinner. Instead, try the ultimate
stress reliever. Sex. Yes, sex. Studies show a little nookie lowers
blood pressure, boosts immunity, and even raises self-esteem. Making
love -- a perfect way to cap a stressful day.
Get a Chair Massage
A massage may feel
like an expensive indulgence, but here's one luxury that's good for your
physical and mental health. When you get a massage, your body releases
endorphins, natural painkillers. A massage also reduces stress hormones,
lowers anxiety, and raises your immunity. A chair massage usually costs
about $1 a minute. You can get a chair massage at some malls, fairs, or
office buildings. It's a quick way to shut out the surrounding chaos
and let some wellness into your day.
Take Time to Streeeeetch
The day got away
from you, and you missed your usual workout. Not to worry. While you
indulge in watching your favorite TV program after work, give your body a
boost with a little stretching. Not only will stretching help ease
tired muscles and increase flexibility, it improves your range of motion
and circulation, and soothes away stress, too. Take it slow and hold
each pose for ten seconds…then feel the relief!
Go Natural
Want to enhance
your serenity and indulge a little introspection? Get outside to hunt
for a few seasonal "firsts." Perhaps it's the first birds returning in
spring, autumn's first turning leaves, or the first bright crocus
pushing through the snow. Get in touch with nature and your
neighborhood. It lets you feel connected to something greater, giving
you a healthy sense of peace and well-being.
Pick Some Exotic Fruit
Take home those
unique choices from the produce department: star-shaped fruits, tiny
purple berries, and what look like prickly little lemons. Whether you
eat star fruit, acai berries, or "horned" cucumbers, indulging in
tropical fruits gives your taste buds an exciting change. It also gives
you a bumper crop of health benefits. Antioxidants and other nutrients
in these foods help reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Call a Good Friend
Good friends are
good for you -- it's as simple as that. Whether you see them every day
or once in a while, friends foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and
self-worth. Friendship even keeps you on a mental even keel. So grab the
phone, stretch out on the couch, and give your best buddy a call.
Sleep, Baby, Sleep
Between a busy day
of working, working out, and running errands, who has time to indulge in
a good night's sleep? You do. Sleeping well tonight is not only
important to ward off fatigue, it will also help you learn and make
memories. The pros say most adults need seven to eight hours every
night. So rest easy tonight -- your body will love you for it.
Move It, Move It, Move It!
What if you had a
magic elixir that could lift your mood, help you sleep, increase energy,
and even spark your sex life? You don't need a mystic brew for all
that. You just need to get moving! Don't call it exercise. Just call it a
walk around the neighborhood, a tussle on the lawn with the kids, or
digging in the garden. Ten minutes of each could even lead to fewer
colds and a boost in brain power. So get moving!
