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Don’t Stress
By Staff Writer
How do people cope with those long, dramatic days? Those days where there is never enough time to get everything done. Everyone needs attention. Either the phone is not ringing enough or ringing off the hook, or the boss is screaming to finish that project faster, sooner. The slightest annoyance feels like everything is about to reach the breaking point. Where does one start finding relief when feeling overwhelmed is the only feeling registering and something needs to be done. This scenario is repeated in countless offices, homes, workplaces, schools, and businesses across the country. The United States is a nation of stressed out people and it almost seems finding relief sometimes is more stressful than just staying stressed out. There is, on its own, an overwhelming amount of information for stress relief online and advertised throughout the world. The bombardment of debatably effective stress relief can cause such a headache; it is no wonder that the pharmaceutical industry is a trillion dollar business for a variety of ailments, but especially stressor reliefs. Despite all of these reasons to stay safe in bed away from the world there is hope for relief. Do not give hope up just yet because usually what is an over-thought complicated process of maintaining sanity and elevating some sense of personal well being to an acceptable level of stress relief is just too much work. There is probably a simpler method than that. Considering that the simplest methods usually work the best, take this note to heart: breathe. Mostly everyone can breathe without any special equipment.
Stress can lead to quick, shallow breathing and this, unfortunately, can easily become a habit, a bad habit. Some studies link a fast breathing rate to high blood pressure and other studies show that anxiety sufferers tend to take shallow breaths from their chest. This poor breathing habit can lead to hyperventilation, which is taking in more breaths than the body needs. This can harm the body dramatically over consistent occurrences. Hyperventilation causes a loss of carbon dioxide in the blood and can result in intense physical symptoms that are very similar to panic attacks. Panic attacks are intense anxiety experiences that are usually accompanied by symptoms in the affected person's body and thinking.
Stress relief can be achieved by bringing conscious attention to breathe. Try lengthening, and deepening the drawing in of oxygen and that will nourish every cell of the body promoting relaxation. Prolonged exhalation helps get rid of stale air and toxins in the lungs. Deep breathing is effective for stress relief as it helps lower blood pressure, relax the muscles, and slow the heart and respiration rate. It also prevents stress from building up, reduces insomnia and fatigue, and reduces general anxiety. It increases energy levels and helps turn off analytical thinking and racing thoughts. Deep breathing counteracts the physical and mental affects of the fight or flight response which is the mode our body goes into when we are under stress. Deep breathing can also reduce anxiety when it strikes. When practiced regularly for stress relief, the physical and mental benefits of deep breathing may also help prevent anxiety.
The following is a simple exercise anyone can do to relieve stress. Begin by sitting or lying comfortably. Breathe in slowly and deeply through the nose, counting to six. Hold this breath while slowly counting to six. Exhale slowly through the mouth, slowly counting to eight. Concentrate on counting and breathing. Feel the lungs fill up with air, and the heart rate slow. By exhaling more breath than inhaling, it will cleanse all the stale air held in the lungs. Feel the relaxation deep breathing brings and repeat this exercise several times.
Breathing for stress relief is simple. Wherever, whenever, everyone is always breathing! By making deep breathing a habit, stress will dissipate instantly and leave a feeling of immediate relaxation. In addition, after following this simple method, future stress will be limited in otherwise tense situations.
Mani-Kir Royale Beauty Lounge
By Angie Jones
Based in North Hollywood's new and improved Arts District, Mani-Kir Royale displays a unique style of pampering by awarding your typical spa services in a lounge type setting, designed with unique style and grace. Surrounded by shops of all sorts, dining, and new business development it sets off a big city feel.
While the parking spaces are hard to come by, there is a conveniently positioned Metro Station that suits your transportation needs.
Can it be the painted red walls or the view of heavy traffic and busy pedestrians in motion that creates such a dynamite, vibrant setting? Perhaps it's the quick witted, jovial lounge manager?
Either way Mani-Kir Royale is the trendsetter of its industry!
Succeeding entrance, a menu is offered to you as opposed to posted pricing information, with servicing of chemical peels, permanent cosmetics, nail, facial, massage, tanning and waxing services, and packages including the Kir Royale Manicure, Mimosa Pedicure, Sangria Massage, and Champagne Facial. Does it sound like this lounge is for women only? Not to worry men, there are packages especially for your enjoyment, such as The Hefenweizen Pedicure, Pimpjuice Manicure and chest waxing suited for opened shirt enjoyment.
There isn't too long of a wait, customer service is friendly, entertaining and diverse. The employees don't rush you out of their space; they take their time and do a professional, careful job, yet at the most perfect pace. z
Everything from their array of quality vibrant colors, available for purchase or one time use, on down to their hair products whispers hints of excellence and makes you feel alive.
Why bother with a roll about seat when you can choose to mingle at its bar-like service area seating, all while enjoying a manicure and pedicure over a glass of freshly poured champagne (if you are a VIP member) , or be in complete isolation in the posterior of the lounge compliments of the Virgin Margarita bikini wax?
Pressed for time? There is no rushing in or out with operating hours of 11 am - 10 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 am - midnight Fridays, 10 am - midnight Saturdays, and 10 am - 7pm Sundays.
The best fit for men and women that want to unwind is an upbeat, positive setting with mid-tempo melodies spinning, and mingling amongst comedic staff and other appeased consumers. This beauty lounge will remind you of being in the comfort of your home, exchanging giggles and adulterated conversations with old friends, while having champagne to a good soundtrack of music.
Everything about this place is both creative and exciting. If you can picture yourself going out for a drink after work, then being surprised with a facial and massage, than you can picture yourself small talking with beauty lounge VIP's by way of a sweet lounge in North Hollywood.
If you should discover that you need a chaser, you can add to your choice of service by choosing between a 15 minute hand massage, Paraffin hand treatment, and a 30 minute Reflexology treatment.
Seem to be too expensive? Costs just a little more than your regular manicure, pedicure or wax, but so worth the money, especially once you discover their polish won't fade within three days of applying, and your eyebrows will be sculpted to compliment the shape of your face, as they should.
Mani-Kir Royale indeed is the epitome of beauty lounge.
Healthy Happenings
Free Health Screenings
Noon – 4 p.m. Free health screenings offered by Northridge Hospital Medical Center at the Northridge Fashion Center. June 13: Asthma Screening Friday, July 10: Medical Emergency Training. Also a FREE Blood Pressure Screening. August 14: Breastfeeding 101. August 15: Advance Directives. , September 11: Prostate Cancer. Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge.
(818) 885-9700
www.northridgefashion.com
Carbohydrate Counting
Ongoing. Class for individuals who want to improve blood sugar control through carbohydrate intake. Providence Tarzana Medical Center's Tarzana Campus, 18321 Clark St., Tarzana.
(818) 345-8955
Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Support Group
2nd Sat. each month, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. A free "Young Onset Parkinson's Support Group. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(866) 499-2732
Brain Injury Support Group
2nd Wed. each month. Free. Provides encouragement and education. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500 ext. 2833
Mental Health Support Group
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Free. Support group for family members of those with mental illness. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 994-6747
Brain Tumor Support Group
Second Wednesday each month, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Support for those suffering with brain cancer. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500, ext. 2833
Breast Cancer Support Group
Second and Fourth Tuesday each month, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Meet with other breast cancer patients to discuss treatment options and mental comraderie.
Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500, ext. 2833
Breastfeeding Support Group
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meet with other new mothers. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500, Ext. 2298