Despite what the infomercials suggest, you don’t have to invest significant amounts of money and time to nurture your health. Don’t fret if you can’t afford the juicer that costs $300 or the pricey walking monitor. Here are three free or low cost, subtle yet effective regimens to enhance your health.Naps
Notice that “naps” is plural. The celebrated “power nap” is not the only day time respite that can augment your health. Four types of naps have been found to offer health benefits. They include the mini-nap, micro-nap, conventional power nap and slow-wave nap. Integrating one of them into your day is an investment in the health of your heart, memory, metabolism, creativity, alertness and overall rejuvenation. For people who have to combat day-time sleepiness, a two to five minute nap, the micro-nap is recommended. If you want to increase your alertness or rely heavily on acute motor function, try the five to 20 minute mini-nap. To clear your mind and nurture your brain’s capacity to recall names and facts, take conventional power naps. They are 20 minute naps and also offer the benefits of the micro and mini-naps. Lastly, the slow-wave nap induces deep sleep, allowing for cell repair and hormonal regulation. This the 50 to 90 minute nap that supports metabolic, heart and overall health.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese healing method that supports the healthy flow of energy. The goal is to stimulate optimal energy flow through the application of pressure. Acupressure offers hundreds of health benefits. Because points converge with key points in the nervous system, you can alleviate stress and anxiety with acupressure.
One pressure point for relieving stress is located just beneath your breastbone. Using your index finger, apply pressure. Hold it for one minute. The inside crease of your arm has a point that’s connected to anxiety. Pressure can also be applied here for just one minute to trigger relief.
T’ai Chi
T’ai Chi was developed in China as a self-defense tool. It consists of more than one hundred slow and fluid postures. Because T’ai Chi is low impact, you can practice it at any age. It’s also inexpensive. It’s widely available for less than $10 in traditional Asian community centers and in mainstream health clubs. The goal of T’ai Chi is to gently exercise the joints and muscles while unifying the breath. The result is improved circulation and stabilization of the central nervous system.
Studies have shown that T’ai Chi alleviates back pain, stress and helps to reduce falls. T’ai Chi’s emphasis on stable trunk movements helps to reduce poor habits that irritate the back. The regimen also offers quality leg and pelvic movements that diminish stiffness and pain. T’ai Chi promotes stress relief through the deep breathing and focus that the postures require. Because T’ai Chi increases trunk rotation and focus, it is effective in preventing falls.
Author’s Bio: Lisa James a well known author has been writing articles on geriatric care. For more information visit the website SeniorCare.net
