Posted in Blog, Inspirational Moments, Personal Inspiration, Work-Life balance

Halotherapy – My Experience in a Salt Room

Being a leadership and work-life balance coach, I am always looking for new ways to release stress and to share these different methods with others. My latest adventure was visiting a salt room.

I really didn’t know what to expect from this salt room. I was told to remove my shoes before entering and that I would be in there for 45 minutes and I may fall asleep. Once I hear a loud humming noise the session would be over.

This particular salt room had soft granulated Himalayan salt covering the floor, a variety of different size salt lamps and a wall with thin salt rock lights.

The room had an orange glow, with soft music playing. There were four reclining chairs, one soft living room chair in the corner and a large cushion on the salt-covered floor. I chose to sit on one of the reclining chairs.

I sat down in the chair, laid back and closed my eyes. At first random thoughts were going through my head but the more I relaxed the less they came. The longer I sat in the salt room the calmer and de-stressed I felt. I started to doze off towards the end of the session.

In this photo I was enjoying my session and becoming very relaxed and sleepy.

I know some people may think this is a little out-there or weird to believe that a lighted Himalayan salt room can change your mood however I did feel a shift from being uptight to calm.

What is Halotherapy?

It was an ancient European treatment of sitting in salt caves to improve skin conditions and respiratory disorders.

Nowadays, salt rooms are typically man-made, have a halogenerator and, are free of humidity. The temperature inside is around 68°F. The sessions are from 30 to 45 minutes. Halotherapy has wet methods as well. The most common is the dry method.

What are the benefits?

With regular and consistent dry Halotherapy sessions supposedly it helps to remove environmental toxins from the lungs, increase oxygen intake, boost immune response and boost energy levels. Other benefits include better sleep, enhanced focus, relaxation, strengthened immune system, relieves and/or prevents asthma, allergies, bronchitis, dermatitis, ear infections, sinus infections, and eczema.

Is there any scientific proof?

According to Wikipedia

A recent review of the research supporting halotherapy determined that, out of 151 studies conducted on this topic, only 1 was a well-designed randomized control trial that met their inclusion criteria for a meta-analysis.[4] Researchers found that the majority of the research on this topic has serious methodological flaws that should be considered. Without vigorous control trials, we cannot be sure of the effects of halotherapy, despite claims made in the media.

Take Away:

From what I read there is no scientific proof of Halotherapy health benefits. What I can tell you about Halotherapy is how I felt during the session. I was relaxed and calmer.

Would I do it again? Definitely.

How about you? After reading this blog post would you try it?

Or have you had a session of Halotherapy? What was your experience like? Please share in the comments below.

Did you find this helpful?  If so, please share this blog post with others!  Comments are always welcome.  You may use your initials or anonymous for your name, if this makes you feel more comfortable to comment.  🙂   Thank you.

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#Halotherapy #saltroom #worklifebalance #balancedlife #travel

Posted in Blog, Inspirational Moments, Personal Inspiration

The Floating Experience for Work/Life Balance

The Floating Experience for Work/Life Balance

One of my friends told me about floating a couple of years ago and how it can help relieve stress.  I tried it out and really saw the change in my body after the float.  I wish I did it more often and I am guilty of not making it a priority when I really should.  I usually wait until my body is in knots instead of a monthly or every other week schedule.  I went a few days ago and after the float, I was sitting in the relaxing area talking to one of the employees and said to her I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner, it sure does make a difference.  She laughed and said she automatically schedules her times because if she doesn’t it won’t happen.  I said, the world would be a happier place if everyone would float more and relax.  She smiled.  I commented back, I probably should do automatic scheduling too and make it more of a priority in my life.  After the float, I felt so refreshed, renewed and at peace.  My skin felt soft and my muscles much more relaxed.

What is floating?

It is laying down (floating) in a tub or pod of epsom salt water with ear plugs in your ears.  

Why float?

One hour of resting the mind in the salt has all kinds of physical benefits:

*Increases Blood Circulation

*Pain Management

*Increased Immune System Functioning

*Diminishes the Effect of Jet Lag

*Reduce Lactic Acid Build-Up

What to do while floating?

*Meditation

*Breathing Techniques to Relax

*Self-Reflection

*Spend Time in Prayer

*Listen to the Calming Music

*Do Nothing, just Enjoy the Peace, Quiet and Alone Time

Different ways to enjoy the experience: 

*Lights on

*Lights off

*Relaxing music on

*Relaxing music off

*Lid closed

*Lid open

I personally like the music on with the lid closed and the blue lights on, however sometimes I turn the lights off.  

My Takeaway:

For me the experience is relaxing and helps me get balanced.  It calms my spirit and releases the build-up of stress in my body by spending time alone through meditation, silence and prayer.  I know I should do it more often before my body turns into knots.  My personal goal is to start floating at least once a month.  How about you?  Is this something you would be willing to try?

Reflection Questions:

Do you like spending time alone?

Have you ever tried floating? Yes or No

If you have, what was your experience? Did you Like it or Not Liked it and why?

Affirmation:

Click on the link to order your Work/Life Balance Affirmation Cards.

Do you want even more work-life balance strategies? Come and join the Facebook group called Work-Life Balance with Patti

Comments are always welcome and please share this post with your colleagues, friends, and family on your social networks!

Posted in Blog, Personal Inspiration

Quick and Easy Tips to Ease Stress Tension

stress memeHow is Stress and Worry Affecting You?

Stress and worry can be major factors for not having a restful night sleep.  Having a good night sleep refreshes the mind, body and spirit.  A good night sleep unlocks the subconscious for problem-solving through dreams.  I recall reading something recently that all the things we worry about only 2% of it ever comes true.  If this is the case, why do we continue to worry so much?  Is it the constant stress we create in our minds?

What are some of the things that are causing stress and worry in your life?

  • Are you a people pleaser and worry about what others think of you?
  • Are you afraid to tell others no?
  • Do you have unresolved issues with someone?
  • Are you a parent and your child may be going down a wrong path?

Here are some common tips to help ease stress tension and worry:

  1. Spend some time in meditation to ease tension and to relax.
  2. Listen to calming music.
  3. Pray about the situation for guidance and peace.
  4. Journal about the situation that is causing the stress or worry.
  5. Go for a walk or to the gym and get some exercise.

Figure out what is causing the stress and worry.  Is this something you have control to change?  If yes, change it.  If no, spend time using these tips to reduce the stress or worry.  Stress and worry disturb sleep patterns, may cause mood swings and tiredness.  All of these may harm your health, work performance and relationships.  Isn’t it time to put the stress and worry to bed?

Self-Reflection Questions:

What is causing your stress and worry?

What tips will you start using today to ease stress and worry in your life?

Posted in Blog, Business Inspiration, Inspirational Moments, Leadership Inspiration, Personal Inspiration

TIME to RELAX

TIME to RELAX

It is TIME to RELAX

In this fast pace world some of us do not take the time to smell the roses.  We are on the go from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.  We get up in the morning and the first thing is the coffee pot.  Just to drag yourself out of bed.  Even on the weekends there are endless things that need to be completed.  If you have children you are on the go to games and practices.  When do you take the time to rest?

Taking time to recharge and relax is essential.  If you don’t you are headed for major burnout.  Then what?  What good are you for your family and job?  What can you do to incorporate time in your life for relaxation and to recharge?

Watch a sunset with your family?

Go for a bike ride or hike?

Sit for an hour and read a good book?

Being creative here are some ideas:  Painting, scrapbooking, journaling, writing, gardening, golfing, building something and sitting in the garden watching the birds or butterflies.  Do whatever you truly enjoy which relaxes you and creates some peace and joy in your life.

By recharging and taking some time for you, it will help make you a better person to be around.  What is stopping you?   It is time to enjoy spring time and get outdoors and enjoy it.

Would love to see your thoughts and fun ways that you like to relax and recharge. ~ Patti

Coaching for Inspiration
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