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" The demands of daily life can often leave us feeling stressed and anxious \u2013 ok we&amp;#039;re being modest, sometimes it can leave us feeling like we want to collapse in a great heap on the floor.\u00A0 If you start to feel those stress levels bubbling beneath the surface, it&amp;#039;s only a matter of time before your body will rather abruptly tell you it&amp;#039;s had enough. There&amp;#039;s usually something that will inevitably cause you to snap.\u00A0 But before you get to breaking point, it&amp;#039;s important to recognise the warning signs and give your body the TLC it so desperately deserves. A simple reflexology massage can be all it takes to get your mind and body back on track.\u00A0 But you don&amp;#039;t necessarily have to book in for a full treatment \u2013 although if you have the time and the funds to spare\u00A0we can&amp;#039;t\u00A0recommend enough\u00A0\u2013 you can give yourself a DIY massage at home. All it takes is 5 minutes of you-time and you&amp;#039;ll feel de-stressed in a flash. Reflexologist Veronica Amarelle, from Healed Soles, shares her expert tips on how to give yourself a 5-minute calming reflexology massage, and all from the comfort of your own home. You are welcome!\u00A0 Follow these five simple steps to count down to calm\u2026 This massage can be applied to hands or feet, whatever is easiest or feels more comfortable.\u00A0 1. It&amp;#039;s nice to have an oil, cream or balm to hand, so pick a nice product that makes you feel relaxed, and that you like the smell of! You can massage without cream if you&amp;#039;d prefer. \u00A0 2. Lightly apply cream to the hand/foot that you would like to start on.\u00A0 3. A good wrist/ankle rotation to the right and to the left is a great way encourage mobility and to release stiffness.\u00A0 4. Then start by gently squeezing your hand or foot to start to increase circulation.\u00A0 5. To start to stimulate your reflex points, you will use a technique called thumb walking. Here you&amp;#039;ll apply pressure to a point, make circular motions and then shuffle a small step forward. We will show you which points to stimulate below. Please remember to only apply as much pressure as feels comfortable to you so that it is enjoyable.\u00A0 Here are the 5 points to focus on during your\u00A0DIY reflexology treatment Refer to the diagrams below for your DIY reflexology treatments.\u00A0   1. Diaphragm \u2013 Try taking nice deep breaths while stimulating this reflex. It will help you to relax quite quickly and tune into your body.\u00A0 How to do it:\u00A0You&amp;#039;ll notice that there&amp;#039;s a line on your palm just under your knuckles, that&amp;#039;s your marker. Start at one end of the hand/foot, apply pressure and shuffle along, following that line. Then follow it back the other way.\u00A0Go over this area twice.\u00A0 2. The head/Cerebrum\u00A0\u2013 This relates to busy brains and busy lives. Stimulate the top of the thumb and notice your head suddenly feel at ease.\u00A0 How to do it:\u00A0Palm side \u2014\u00A0apply firm pressure to the top section of the thumb or toe\u00A0and press down while making circular motions. Make sure you cover all of that top section and you&amp;#039;ll be sure to have sufficiently stimulated the head reflex.\u00A0 3. The neck \u2013 When we are hectic there are two points that seem to tense up first, the neck carries a lot of tension, with the shoulders coming in a close second.\u00A0 How to do it: Palm side start from the right side of the the bottom section of the thumb, and shuffle your way across that section horizontally, applying as much\u00A0pressure as is comfortable. Alternatively refer to the foot diagram and apply the same motion to relevant section of\u00A0your toe. 4. The shoulders \u2013 Holding the world on your shoulders? Offer them some relief by applying pressure (as much as is comfortable) on this area. How to do it:\u00A0\u00A0On the back of your hand/foot either thumb shuffle along the area in the diagram, go as deep as feels comfortable and make circular motions.\u00A0 5. The Adrenal point \u2013 This point encourages the body to produce cortisone, which will help with pain relief and inflammation.\u00A0 How to do it:\u00A0Palm side \u2014\u00A0in between the stomach and kidney reflex in the diagram. Apply a firm, deep pressure. You&amp;#039;ll know when you&amp;#039;ve hit the spot as this one pinches slightly.\u00A0 To the wrap up the treatment on that hand, squeeze your hand thoroughly once more and then firmly grip the base of each finger individually and run your finger to the tip, gently pulling your digit in doing so.\u00A0 Then apply the very same process to the other hand or foot. Enjoy! Please note, this treatment is not appropriate for you if: * you are in your first trimester* you are intoxicated in away* you are under any heavy medication (please consult your doctor first)* you have any fungal infections on your hands or feet More on prima.co.uk... The simple breathing technique to keep you calm The brilliant benefits of reflexology Get your fix of all things Prima with our twice-weekly newsletter \u2014 sign up below!   "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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