Happy New Year's from Ingredient! The hectic holidays are over, and many people are taking the change in year as an good excuse to pick up a new healthy habit. May we suggest relaxing?

Learning how to relax is an important skill but is often overlooked. Not being able to relax can cause stress, and physical effects from stress on the body can include hair loss, teeth grinding, an inability to concentrate, and a weakened immune system.

Mindfulness meditation

An important part of relaxing is allowing your mind to come to rest. Think of the difference between the tightness of making a fist and how your muscles are relaxed when your hand is loosely open. Try a mindfulness meditation to relax your brain. First, get into a comfortable sitting position. Gently close your eyes. Relax your body. Begin to pay attention to breathing in and out. If you get distracted by wandering thoughts, return your attention to breathing. Eventually your thoughts will slow down, and your mind will relax.

Relaxing foods

Foods that have properties which can soothe and calm the body include: milk, soup, bananas, honey, avocados, dark chocolate and oatmeal. Here are two delicious smoothie and shake recipes that feature relaxing ingredients.

Green goddess smoothie

Makes one serving.

Ingredients

•¼ cup avocado chunks
•1 medium banana
•1 teaspoon honey
•1 cup coconut water
•½ cup ice
•½ cup water (optional)

Instructions

Put all the ingredients (except water) in a powerful blender and blend well. Check consistency, and add more if you wish.

Oatmeal cookie breakfast shake

Makes one serving.

Ingredients

•2 medium bananas, frozen
•¼ cup old fashioned oats, uncooked
•½ cup milk
•½ teaspoon cinnamon
•1 tablespoon raisins (optional)

Instructions

Put all the ingredients in a powerful blender and blend well. Check consistency, and add more milk if you wish.