Physical reactions to Stress and Anxiety in troubled times

Financial stresses are some of the biggest obstacles we face, emotionally and physically.

When we are faced with emotional challenges like money stresses, our bodies respond with survival instincts. Basic biological functions are affected. Our breathing becomes faster and more shallow. Our heart rate speeds up. Our hormones and nervous system go into "overdrive".

If our bodies are kept in a stressed state, unsure of our own survival, then disease sets in. Changes in our sleep, thinking, and mental reactions are some of the first warning signs.

Martha Beck shares her ideas on how we can relax in troubled times:


As she describes, one way we physically react to stress is by freezing in it. Our bodies maintain a tense state.

Exercise and physical activity are excellent solutions to relieving stress and preventing physical damage. Of course, there are many other health benefits to exercise, too!
Plus, you can find an activity that you enjoy. Have some fun and quality-time with your family.
And it's one of the cheapest (FREE) forms of entertainment: a winning option when money's tight!

To reduce stress, prevent illness, get healthier, and save money...Exercise More in troubled times!

Cities with Heart-Smarts for Women

Do you know what the greatest killer of women is? Heart Disease kills more women than any other ailment or condition!

Dr. Jordan Metzel discusses a study by physicians and health educators. It revealed the lifestyle habits that contribute to healthy hearts in women. They applied these to a study of American communities to find the "Cities with heart-smarts". Watch his interview with Dr. Jennifer Perez as they discuss the findings:



Information from the American Heart Association tells us that lifestyle habits like exercise, awareness, nutritious eating, relieving stress, and community programs all contribute to healthier hearts and reduced heart disease.

Stumble It!

Thai-Yoga Massage to Stretch Your Partner's Back & Hips

Aaahhh, I love Thai massage (giving and receiving), also known as Thai-Yoga. It is assisted stretching, but it is more dynamic than stretching muscles individually.
Like yoga, it stretches muscles in several planes of movement. It also stretches several muscles at a time.

Like LIFE, we use muscles in dynamic, multi-planar movements. We don't use one muscle in isolation, in one direction (plane of motion). Therefore, it is more effective than stretching muscles individually.

Another advantage of assisted stretching is that you can get a deeper, more effective stretch when someone is conscientiously applying the stretch to you, rather than stretching yourself.

Your partner would appreciate 2-person Thai-Yoga Massage for loosening their back and hip muscles! If you are the giver, move slowly, gently, and respectfully throught the movements.
Here are more of the health benefits of Thai-Yoga Massage:
* Emphasis is on loosening joints and stretching muscles
* Opens energy channels, improving circulation and movement
* Works from a holistic medicine model based in ancient Ayurveda
* Relaxing and deeply therapeutic, with long-lasting effects

Relieve pain and tension, prevent disc problems in the spine, and relieve stress!

To schedule a Thai massage session with a certified, experienced Thai massage therapist, contact Nina Schnipper at Higher Spa in Basalt, Colorado. Go to www.HigherSpa.com for contact info.