The 5 minute simple de-stresser

Do you have 5 Minutes to spare?  Did you have a stressful day? Here is a SIMPLE way to detox your mind of all the clutter and stress. Ready?  All you need to do is the following:

 

Setup:

 

Turn off all electronic devices (this will only take 5 minutes, don't worry you can turn them back on when you are done). Sit down in a way that is most comfortable for you. If possible, hide from the rest of the family :)

3 Steps to DETOX:

1. Cross your arms like you are hugging yourself and place your hands on top of your shoulders.  Relax your elbows down.  Breathing deeply 10 times.  With each exhale, feel gravity pull your shoulders down towards the floor.  Feel your shoulders drop on each exhale.  
2. Place your hands on the sides of your ribs.  Breathing deeply 10 times.  With each inhale, feel your ribs expand bringing new fresh air into your body (posterior lateral breathing for those of you know Pilates breathing).  Fresh air cleans the body away of old unnecessary stress.  As you exhale visualize each little thing stressing your life leaving your body.  Ask yourself these questions if they help:  Do I need to worry about these stressful things right now?  Is there a better way to deal with these stressful items?
3. Bring your right ear down towards your right shoulder by tilting your head to the right.  Breathing deeply 5 times on the right.  Take your time on each inhale and exhale.  The slower the better. Switch sides and repeat 5 times on the left.  Notice how your neck relaxes on each exhale.   
4. BONUS:  Drink a glass of water to RINSE away the stress.  Water refreshes the body, clears the mind, and (big bonus) turns off the hunger signals your body sends.  

Repeat as necessary!