(ARA) – Nothing can turn your life upside down like bringing a new baby home. All of a sudden your sleep schedules are interrupted, your regular routine is gone, and you may feel overwhelmed with all the new responsibilities.
New parents experience a lot of joy and happiness, but the changes can also cause stress and anxiety. To insure that you dont become exhausted and burned out, it is important to take a little time to relax and rejuvenate every day. Youll feel better, and youll be a more effective parent too.
Here are some relaxation techniques for new parents who may have trouble sleeping at night, or resting during the day:
* Yoga and stretching. Community centers and health clubs offer yoga and stretching classes for all levels. Or if you cant get away, rent or buy a video that will take you through some basic positions and stretches. This is a great way to drain tension from your body.
* Treat yourself to some hydrotherapy. The Aquamasseur bathing system creates a soothing full-body massage by filling your tub with thousands of tiny, heated air bubbles. Unlike a whirlpool which shoots jets of water at specific points on the body, the Aquamasseur massages the whole body with a gentle and constant pressure that is extremely relaxing.
Youll have the best nights sleep youve ever had, says Scott Tennant, spokesperson for Acryline, the company that makes these innovative bath systems. Tennant explains that this gentle bathing experience is ideal as a stress reliever because it allows you to fully relax. You can also increase the air flow if you desire a more vigorous massage, or try one of the other systems, including the Healthmasseur System or the Ultimate System, which is a combination of the two.
And when the baby gets older, she can try it too. Kids especially are relaxed and sleep well after an Aquamassuer bath, noted Tennant, and because the tubs are acrylic, parents can clean up the bathroom in minutes allowing them to enjoy the balance of their evening together.
* Deep breathing. Slow, deep breaths can ease muscle tension, lower your heart rate, and help you fall asleep faster. This is a good technique to try if you find yourself wide awake in the middle of the night. First, close your mouth and breathe slowly through your nose, feeling your stomach rise as you gradually fill your diaphragm and lungs with air. Hold for one second before exhaling through your nose to the count of four. Repeat until you feel your body relax.
* Progressive muscle relaxation. Once you are lying in bed with your eyes closed, tense and release your muscles alternating between the right and the left side of the body. Start with your hand and forearm muscles, followed by your biceps and triceps, face and jaw, chest and shoulders, stomach, thighs and so on until you reach your feet. After about 20 minutes, you should feel relaxed from head to toe.
* Guided imagery. Imagine yourself in a favorite place such as on a warm, sandy beach or in a field of flowers. With your eyes closed, visualize every detail of the scene from the color of the sand to the sound of the waves lapping on the beach. With practice, you will be able to clear your head and focus on relaxing thoughts that will help you drift off to sleep.
For more information on massaging bath systems from Acryline USA, visit www.acrylineusa.com or call (800) 794-4667.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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