Introduction and Welcome ^_^

Hi! My name is Annalise. I have a special interest in stress relief – my mission is to help people break
free of the constant physiological stress response that so many of us live with, for no other reason
than by thinking its ‘normal’. It is not normal or necessary and it is time to change that mentality. I
invite you to come along on a journey with me - a journey of reconnection and rebalance. Welcome
to my blog space!

In coming weeks I will share some of my stress relief and relaxation gems with you. I also welcome
your gems, insights, observations and feedback - we are all walking this road of modern life
together.


Do you pay much attention to your own stress levels?


I thought I did, until about 2 years ago I had become so highly stressed in my job that I mentally
burnt-out.  While recovering from that burnout without properly resting myself, I became
chronically ill with appendicitis. That was when I started to seriously rethink my priorities in life.

Having developed a love of foot massage over 20 years ago thanks to my mother's hobbies,  I decided to study Reflexology intending self-treatment only. What I have discovered through my study
however, is just how powerful it is as a tool for healing. I now feel it is my privilege and obligation to dedicate my time to helping others as I myself have been helped.

If “1” is stretched out on a tropical beach somewhere, free of any and all worries and “10” is so
stressed you can’t easily eat, sleep or think, how would you score yourself today?


So! This week I want to share the bare essentials of two core gems.

GEM 1: Stress tends to restrict our breathing. Right now, sit back, place your hands comfortably in
your lap, and take 3 deep, slow breathes. Feel each breath you take – feel the cool air drawn
through your nose and down into your lungs. Then feel the warm air flowing back up, and out your
mouth or nose.

GEM 2: Our feet lead our way through life and are our direct connection with the Earth. Kick off your shoes and walk around barefoot for at least 10 minutes each day, preferably on as many different (non-damaging) textures as practical. Next week I will give you some background into why this is a gem – I’d love to hear your feedback on how walking around barefoot has felt for you.

With love and light, be peaceful.

Annalise