Hammocks always say summer to me. In my part of the country the summers get so hot and humid, and whenever there is a day when the breezes are blowing, taking a nap under shady trees is such a pleasure.
That is how we traditionally use these leisure contraptions in Ohio, where I live.
When I was in Brazil, a hammock was rigged up on an upper outside porch to sleep in more comfortable outside breezes. I definitely spent some time taking advantage of that.
It is just so relaxing to look up into the sky and trees while cradled in a net of sturdy cotton.
If you have ever owned a hammock, you might have experienced how short-lived they can be, or less comfortable when made from flimsy materials.
I found a solution. For many years I’ve heard of “Pawleys Island” brand. Their great workmanship and fine materials result in much better satisfaction.
Now To Compare
If you see those which are imported from Brazil:
The biggest difference between these two types of hammock is noticeable. One is a mesh of netting (The Pawley Island), and the other is solid fabric. Both are very comfortable. The PI type is hung on stretcher bars to provide a comfy surface, while the Brazilian is hung from hooks connected to the support ( walls of a porch).
If situating a hammock in the yard, in our climate where quite a bit rain falls, an outside hammock needs the netting to avoid pooling water. I always have to dump remaining water from my canvas chairs, even though they are meant for outdoor use. Solid materials will tend to hold small pools of rainwater. The netted type of hammock will not collect any water.
The Brazilian style is very compact when not in use, because there are no spreader bars. It can be unhooked from one side and hung on one single side for storage when not in use.
Which one for you? For me, a place under the trees will make my decision for me- I am very happy to rig up the Pawley Island Hammock into my backyard trees.
What about you? Any happy memories of napping out in the open in one of these? Do you use one when camping or on the porch? What materials and construction have you found most satisfactory- let me know in the comments.
There are times when modern life is just too much: too much noise, demand, and activity. Here are some pointers and soothing music to de-stress your day. Nothing improves the quality of life more than learning how to manage stress.
Stress contributes to physical diseases as well as emotional discomfort. But we can learn how to minimize stress, and I might even say we must learn to do so for our health and well being.
Modern life and its demands do not exactly lend themselves to this healthier way of living and think, so we must mindfully replace frustrating pressures that keep us on the hamster wheel with different habits. Some involve ways of thinking, some are physical activities…. but all lead us to find time to relax and breathe a little deeper.
Enjoy the tips and suggested products, listen to the soothing music. It’s all good.
Helpful Hints and Tips for Getting Rid of Stress
Bain au Raku
I took many ideas from this webpage I had made, and my old “Happy Thoughts” blog for this post.
My blood pressure had gotten dangerously high and I really needed to stop stressing,
But have you ever noticed that when you try so hard to stop stressing it stresses you all out? So I started using my online journaling to focus on the positive, to be grateful and to think about life in a more optimistic way.
I still struggle sometimes, but my life and thinking have really improved. I highly recommend implementing many of these stress breakers into your own life.
My Cuppa Gratefulness writing list of blessings exercise from the TrueGrit blog.
Allow yourself some private time each day, as little as half an hour can make a difference.
Pray and meditate.
Buy a bouquet of flowers or pick one from your garden, flowers brighten up your mood.
Take a long rejuvenating walk, it gives new perspectives.
Unplug. Your ipod, your computer, your phone, your TV, your radio. The mind you save may be your own.
A nice hot cup of green tea and a good book- you are feeling relaxed already.
You can’t unplug? Then turn on some music and dance. Invite a toddler to join you.
Call a friend.
Go to the salon for a manicure and a pedicure, a shampoo and styling; don’t make major changes, just enjoy the pampering.
Fix a comfort food, and let yourself completely enjoy it. Mindfully, in-the-moment eating for the full benefit of this indulgence.
Take 20 minutes to remember the good times of your life, and to be grateful.
Get your favorite feel-good movie out and watch
Start a Blessings journal, and take time for God.
Go outside, go to the beach or the mountains or your favorite park. Smell the roses and let the breezes ruffle your hair. Let the sun shine on your face. Now, wasn’t that nice?
A Spiritual Journey To Peace
Spiritual Soaking and Mental Relaxation: Modern interpretation of an ancient religious practice, spiritual soaking is a form of prayer and meditation. It relaxes ones mind and relieves stress as side benefits.
Things We Can Learn From A Dog…
How to really enjoy life
I read this years ago, and the simple wisdom of it never fails to amaze me. The older I grow the more I appreciate the good advice…. if only dogs could talk I know this is what they try to tell us.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout…run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Happy Place to De-stress
If you have ever sat in one of these chairs, you know why it is on my wish list. An at home massage anytime you need it; it relaxes you head to foot. Inhaling a pleasant or refreshing fragrance can sometimes be more soothing than almost anything else- and no calories! Incense, fragrant bath oils, aroma infused indoor fountains, scented candles, those and more are things that refresh my mind. And I just love the smell of laundry that has been hung out to dry on the clothesline.
What smells create a calming effect for you?
More Aromatherapy Info Tussy mussies were invented for just that reason…. You can make your own you know.
Oils and essences have healing properties, besides creating a sense of rest, energy, or calm. Reviving My Senses
Paradox: Exercise Reduces Stress – when working harder helps…
When stressed-out, the temptation is to eat something fattening and comforting, sleep more, or sit in front of the TV or computer to try to distract oneself, but the better answer is often to get the body moving physically. What happens when we exercise that helps to reduce stress? “Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day. But exercise also has some direct stress-busting benefits.
It pumps up your endorphins. Physical activity helps to bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Although this function is often referred to as a runner’s high, a rousing game of tennis or a nature hike also can contribute to this same feeling.
It’s meditation in motion. After a fast-paced game of racquetball or several laps in the pool, you’ll often find that you’ve forgotten the day’s irritations and concentrated only on your body’s movements. As you begin to regularly shed your daily tensions through movement and physical activity, you may find that this focus on a single task, and the resulting energy and optimism, can help you remain calm and clear in everything that you do.
It improves your mood. Regular exercise can increase self-confidence and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Exercise also can improve your sleep, which is often disrupted by stress, depression and anxiety. All this can ease your stress levels and give you a sense of command over your body and your life.”
Yoga relaxes – The gear aims for comfort and relaxation
Yoga stretching can be very therapeutic.
Comfortable clothes and yoga mats make for a great workout. Workouts are an important key to health and aid feelings of well being.
More things that relax….
At home or away, there are certain things that restore and relax like nothing else: hot tub or massage, and soothing music.
“A hot tub can stimulate the release of our stress reducing endorphins. A hot tub’s hydrotherapy jets also dilate blood vessels to help prevent headaches. And when it comes to falling asleep faster and getting a deep night’s sleep, the National Sleep Foundation clearly states, “soaking in hot water, such as a hot tub or bath, before retiring to bed can ease the transition into a deeper sleep.”” [2]
Consider
Other times and cultures, resiliency of people over history, “this too shall pass”, simplicity of a monk’s meditation, the greatness of the mountains…
Let the realization of your own troubles and urgent pressures melt in the background… imagine a visit to a quiet, ancient mountain fastness. Or draw… or do a collage. Something about making a beautiful piece of art is restorative. It calms your mind while giving you a bit of a creative challenge. Many people find the process of art to be a good antidote for stress. So pull out the pens and pencils, the watercolors and papers and make something!
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“Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day. But 
Or draw… or do a collage. Something about making a beautiful piece of art is restorative. It calms your mind while giving you a bit of a creative challenge. Many people find the process of art to be a good antidote for stress. So pull out the pens and pencils, the watercolors and papers and make something! 
