r and r

Even when life is seemingly sailing along smoothly, it helps to take a break to quiet the mind and relax the body.

Some benefits of R&R are obvious: increased sense of calm, reduced muscle tension, overall sense of well-being. But there are other forces at work when we take time to chill out. So step away from the email, facebook, Twitter, and cell phone. Truly disconnect to reconnect with yourself and experience bliss from one of these activities:

massage
Some may think of massage as a luxury, but massage has several health benefits that warrant making it a regular part of your health regimen.

• Pain relief - not just in the area that's worked on, but throughout the body
• Immunity boost - through decreases in stress hormones responsible for illness
• Blood pressure drop - a boon for people with hypertension

[via Newsweek]

Learn about 10 of the most popular types of massage

Find an eco spa near you:

• Green Spa Network
• Spa Index

Tip: Save money by visiting a massage therapy school where sessions with students are offered at a discount

meditation
There are many great benefits of regular meditation practice, including:

• Increased concentration
• Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression
• Improved memory and mental clarity
  
• Greater awareness
  

Find a meditation center near you:

• Independent Meditation Center Guide
• Shambhala

yoga
Hatha yoga, the physical branch of yoga, has many physical and mental benefits. Try yoga for:

• Greater flexibility
• Increased strength and muscle tone
• Improved posture
• Greater sense of calm
• Improved concentration and mood
• Beneficial effects on health condition like asthma, hypertension, pain
• Increased energy

[via WebMD]

There are several types of hatha yoga, from energetic vinyasa flow to hot and sweaty Bikram. Find your style of yoga and a studio near you:

• Yoga Journal
• Yoga Finder
• Everything Yoga

I'm going to follow my own advice, take some time off from the computer and head on a yoga retreat myself. See you all next Wednesday!