Find a happy place & make time for yourself. (Finals are around the corner)

Make time for yourself. (This is especially important during times of high-stress, where you feel like you don't have a lot of time). 

I wound up in the ER a couple nights ago because I felt like I was having a heart attack.  Turns out it was Costochondritis, which basically means my chest walls were super inflamed causing major chest discomfort along with other symptoms.  I think it was at least half stress-related.  I've been very busy with my studies and work that I barely had time to breathe.  I suffered the consequences later when I was literally not able to breathe well.  After all of that happened and I was released, I told myself I would start making time for myself, just to download, to relax. 

So on Sunday, I went for a run/power-walk and went to a spot in the forest that I like to go to when I want to just sit and think or not think at all.  I didn't bring my phone so I was disconnected from technology and distractions.  It was a great opportunity for me to reflect on life and meditate.  For me, when I am surrounded by nature, removed from the fast-paced world we live in, I can finally breathe and things start to become much clearer.

I love to sit there and take in all the beauty or sometimes I write poetry, listening to the sounds of the leaves rustling, or the wind blowing through the trees.

Later that evening, I stretched and watched some of my favorite TV shows and began to feel much calmer and at peace with myself. 

I seriously suggest to you all that you take time for yourself to unwind from your busy life and just live.

So even throughout your busy days, take an hour or half hour at least to read a book, take a walk, sit in the forest, dance, work out, stretch, do yoga, meditate, take a bath, light some candles, write, catch up with an old friend you haven't talked to in ages, call or Skype your family, or do whatever makes you happy and relaxed for those moments.

It's amazing how doing these things can really reduce your overall stress level. 

Stretching, it really does wonders

Stretching has many benefits.  It reduces stress, helps with the natural flow of your internal systems, helps lengthen your muscles and keep the tissues healthy, helps with flexibility, circulation, balance, as well as helps with lower back pain.

Taking ten to fifteen minutes to stretch every day really helps your body and joints stay limber.  It is also a great way to prevent injury.  In addition, I've found that stretching before and after my workouts has actually helped me not to bulk up from certain exercises.

So take the time to stretch after your workouts, it really pays off and leaves you feeling less sore! There are also stretches that are exercises as well and tone your body like you would not believe! My mom teaches a stretch class where she incorporates ballet floor workouts which both stretch your muscles and create long and lean muscle tone.  I'll post some of these later!

Great stretches to do everyday

• (on the floor) 
• reach your arms up and over while reaching for your toes
• straddle your legs, reach your arms up and over your center keeping your back as straight as possible
• next, reach up and over to one side aiming your nose to your knee then do the other side
• lie on your back, hug your knees to your chest and rock side to side
• on your back again, take one knee, pull it up towards your chest.  Then while keeping your torso facing forward, use your opposing hand to pull your knee over your body and try and get it as close to the ground as possible.  Do the next side the same way
• Do all of these and you'll be feeling ready for the day!

Also, I used to have fairly bad lower back problems and honestly, between stretching on a daily basis and strengthening both my core and back, I am pain free to this day (that is unless I re-injure it or forgot to stretch after a strenuous workout).  I'll share some of these strengthening exercises that are helpful to cope with lower back pain and problems.