Unexpected Passions: Me Time

Time is precious these days. Most of us spend way to much time doing things we would honestly rather not be doing. We are caught up in the rat race of life. Whether you are a young professional climbing your way to the top, a parent spending your days as a taxi driver, nurse, counselor and disciplinarian among other things or an older adult heading for retirement, you probably spend way too much time stressed out dealing with others and not enough time taking yourself into consideration.

Being chronically stressed can lead to at least six different illnesses that can lead to death. It can cause heart disease, cancer, suicide, liver damage, lung damage and diabetes.

What is so wrong with taking time for yourself. The answer is nothing. In fact, it is beneficial to your health.

Women have a tendency to be a little better at "Me Time" then men. Men tend to think "me time" needs to be spent vegging out watching TV or out on a golf course yelling at a little white ball, which is all well and good, but the best way to unwind is to be pampered.

Here are a few tips to help you unwind whether you are a man or woman.

1. Massage- There is nothing better to relieve stress and loosen the sore tired muscles than a good massage. This is my absolute favorite way to spend my "me time."

2. Take a nice long bath- If you don't have time to stop for a massage, why not soak in the tub. But don't just fill the tub up with hot water, make it special. Use about 1 to 2 cups Epsom Salts along with your favorite essential oil and let the aroma take you away. Some scents you might try are Lavender, Rose water or Peppermint. Tools you might purchase for your "me time" bath are a Loofa or natural sponge to exfoliate your skin and a Pumice stone to have take the edge off your soar rough feet.

3. Get a haircut. But not just any haircut. Make sure your barber or stylist gives you the full treatment. For guys there are specialty shops that will massage your scalp and put a hot towel on your face before giving you a nice close shave. For women, think about having your eyebrows waxed. Just add a little extra to the visit.

4. Speaking of faces- how about a facial? It's not just for women. Facials are great for men too. Most facials help to deep clean the skin as well as get rid of dead, dry skin cells.