Tips for Sleeping in Hotel Beds

Does your back hurt after sleeping in a new bed? What about your neck or legs? When sleeping in a new place, most often a hotel, it can be common to wake up stiff and in pain. Because it’s a new surface, and not one your body is accustomed to, the body can have a hard time getting comfortable. Then once it does, will often be jarred out of its normal position, creating awkward placements for the muscles and spine. And because we sleep in these out-of-the-ordinary poses (for hours on end), it causes pain and stiff joints throughout the rest of the day. 

So how do we avoid these uncomfortable scenarios? After all, it’s hard enough to get proper rest while traveling, let alone when it causes us to hurt during our waking hours. With the help of proper pillows or any added accessories, however, those pains can be greatly reduced. If not eliminated altogether. 

How to Eliminate Back Pains While Traveling

The next time you travel, remember to take a supportive pillow. Use one for your neck, legs, or hips – whatever tends to hurt the most while on vacation. These pillows will help keep your body properly aligned, while adding some much needed comfort in the process. You can also talk with the hotel and inquire about extra pillows or any mattress toppers that might make your stay more pleasant. 

Another way to reduce pains can be achieved by the way you sleep. If it’s your lower back that usually hurts, it may be best to sleep on your side. And so on. Talk to your doctor about various sleeping positions, specifically those that will work best for your specific body type. A quick Google search can also provide some insight on nightly routines and how to take advantage of your next hotel stay.

Get started on these simple tips while planning your your next trip. 

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New Product! The Inflatable BackMax Body Wedge

Love the BackMax but need something more convenient for travel or storage? You’re in luck! Our new version of the product allows you to inflate and deflate at your convenience, creating a cushion that’s as flexible as your schedule. Air it up with the provided pump to recover after a surgery, or pack it along for your next trip. It’ll ensure comfortable resting no matter the sleeping situation. With this inflatable product, you’re able to get the pain relief you deserve in a user-friendly, mobile package, and without losing any of the comfort or support that comes with a traditional BackMax Plus. 

The BackMax Plus works by offering users three specifically designed wedges – that can be used separately or together – to form the perfect position. By combining or removing pieces, patients can best support body parts that need it, while choosing to bypass the ones that don’t. Or, use all three pieces at once to create the ultimate zero gravity position. It’s one that also promotes oxygen flow and circulation, to even further speed along the healing process. 

The BackMax Body Wedge Can Also:

• Be adjusted to different levels of firmness – use less air for a softer feel, or fill it up for extra firmness. 
• Be purchased in three different sizes, so you’re sure to find the right fit.
• Customize to your body’s individual shape and size.
• Reduce stress, pain, and strain throughout the body.
• Create full body support … or be adjusted to host just one portion at a time.

Whether you’re using it to recover from an injury, or are just looking to add some comfort into your daily routine, the BackMax Plus offers an entire combination of ways to relax. And with its new inflatable counterpart, you never have to go without your favorite back product again. 

Head to Contour’s product page to start shopping! 

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Even More Scents that Will Help Reduce Stress

Earlier this week, we discussed ways to reduce stress (and subsequent muscle pains) through the help of scent. Just by sniffing different natural substances, the body can easily and effectively relax. Without the need for medicine or even mental cooperation. In fact, keeping one of these items on hand is likely the most effective way to stay calm, no matter what may come your way.

Today we explore part two of these natural calming agents. While apples, lavender, and more have proven themselves effective, there are even more ways to smell your way to a calmer state of mind. 

Plants and Fruits That Can Promote Mental Healing

• Peppermint plants – A crowd favorite, peppermint is a pleasant way to smell your cares away. Keep a plant at home, at the office, or both. Springs can even be dried and stored away in a small container for a more mobile way to transport peppermint aromas. 

• Chocolate – It’s no surprise that chocolate brings on some serious comfort. But it may not just be about the taste. Darker blends are also proven to offer their magical powers of feeling good through the scent of cocoa. Though be careful not to “smell” too much chocolate as extra pounds are sure to cause anyone stress. 

• Carbs – Our bodies crave carbs – it’s just a fact. But it might not just be for the taste; studies show that consuming carbs promotes the production of serotonin, or the “feel good” chemical that’s released in the brain. Smelling breads and grains might do the body good, but in this case, it’s better to actually eat your natural cure.

No matter your personal preference, there are plenty of scents that offer body-healing powers. Rather than enduring ongoing stress, consider these nose-happy alternatives instead. Best of all, they’re proven to work!

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Calming Scents That Will Help you Relax

Are you a naturally stressed out person? Do you take everyday events personally, and then let them affect your day negatively? Do your shoulders and muscles tense up in the process? Unfortunately, this is a personality trait that many endure on a daily basis. Whether they’re high strung or are constantly looking for a way to fix everything, they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. A task that can become literally painful over time, even just from tensing the muscles too often. It’s a practice most don’t realize they’re doing when under stress.

However, by working toward relaxing practices – such as scents that naturally calm the body – you can easily release tension. Even subconsciously, which can work to eliminate the most amount of stress.

The next time you need to relax, look to these scents to help naturally boost the process. 

Scents that Can Reduce Stress

• Teas – Consuming tea has long been thought of as a way to relax the body, but have we ever stopped to wonder why? Flavors such as chamomile and mint have calming powers, though it’s also shown that mild doses of caffeine can jumpstart the brain into a more alert state. 

• Lavender – This herb (as well as some of its cousins) can trigger the body’s anxiety relief. Smell fresh sprigs to relax, or opt for scented candles or oils instead. Just be sure to avoid perfumes that are too sugary sweet. 

• Apples – Believe it or not, smelling a green apple has been shown to reduce the body’s stressors. It can also work to reduce headaches, just through its built-in scent. 

• Coconut – Fresh coconuts may be hard to come by (depending on your location), but hunting one down might be well worth the effort. Scientists say cutting into the fruit can lower blood pressure and reduce the body’s natural “fight or flight” instincts. 

Use these scents to naturally relax on a daily basis. And stay tuned for even more smells that will lower your body’s stress levels. 

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Customers on the Contour Cloud Pillow

As one of our longest best sellers, it’s hard to beat the Contour Cloud Pillow. Specifically designed to cradle the neck and support the head, this pillow has helped get a good night’s rest for years. On a continual basis, it’s helped those with neck pain, those who just couldn’t get comfortable, and those who were looking for a reliable way to keep their spine aligned throughout the night. 

In fact, it helped them out so much that they took the opportunity to share their thoughts with us. Check out what some of our repeat and first-time customers had to say about this proven product. 

“I broke my c-1 my junior year of college and have struggled with pain for years. A little over a year ago I finally came across this product and decided to give it a try because nothing else was helping me deal with the pain. This pillow is amazing. I am back to order a new one because mine is starting to wear out (1 yr and 3 mo. Later). Totally affordable too! This pillow is a life saver.” – Kristin, August, 2014

“I've used the Cloud Pillow for over ten years and it's exceptional. If you've got a neck problem then it's a must for you to have so don't delay in ordering one now.”  – Patrick, July, 2014

“Feel totally aligned for support, keeps me from snoring. Great comfort for either back and side sleeping. Now will order one for my husband to keep him from snoring.” – May, 2014

“We've been using these pillows for almost 20 years now, swapping out for new ones about every 4-5 years. After only a few nights, I would have fought anyone, tooth and dagger, who tried to take my pillow away!! My husband was almost a Guinness Book of Records snorer, and I'd had spinal surgery in the neck area. These pillows almost stopped his snoring problem (thank you, Lord!), and kept me from getting up each morning with a feeling of ‘crick neck’ for the first couple of hours. They are just the best, and I am so thankful to God for having discovered them.” – Josie, February, 2014

“Have bought this particular pillow for years. Originally, bought it because of shoulder and neck problems. From day one ... no more pain. Now I use it because it provides support and comfort. Love it!!” – Mary, January, 2014

To read more feedback or to start shopping today, head to the Cloud Pillow product page! 

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The Health Benefits of Acupuncture

When it comes to dealing with pain, almost everyone has his or her own method of healing. Some look to painkillers, others stretch and exercise, or adjust their diet. And some consider natural home remedies instead. Whether a practice that was passed down for generations or a new-fangled method they read in a magazine, they have a natural cure that seems to work better than all the rest. Even if just based on personal preference.

One such practice is that of acupuncture, which is free from chemicals or medicines of any kind. It’s performed – by a trained professional – who places small needles into the skin. These needles then reach various pressure points, reducing pain and stress. And while some can’t get passed the whole idea of needles being poked into their skin, each needle is small and very sharp, so as to cause minimal pain.

What Acupuncture Can Do for the Body

While it might sound a tad outside the box, there are also plenty of positives that it brings. Within a single session one can reduce their back pain, sooth indigestion, and help keep regular headaches at bay. Additionally, the practice can work to improve your medicine’s effectiveness (for those on regular dosages) and decrease the side effects of radiation treatments. But perhaps most impressively, acupuncture can help cure obesity. Those who are significantly over weight can benefit from regular treatments, even allowing their bodies to naturally shed weight while increasing circulation. Over time, it’s shows that obesity can be greatly reduced – or minimized – just through acupuncture. [Prevention]

Getting Started

To receive these ongoing benefits, consider scheduling your own acupuncture appointment. Talk to your local salon about what sessions they have to offer. Or, talk with your doctor about what acupuncture treatments can do for your body and its ongoing health regimen. 

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Back to School: Are Backpacks Too Heavy?

It seems as though this is the age-old question. Are backpacks – or book bags – to heavy? And are kids carrying too much weight? From kindergarteners to non-traditional college students, books are a necessary part of getting through class. They help kids read, allow students to study necessary materials, and provide a read-along during class or homework sessions. But when those books are two or more pounds each, they can add up quickly. 

Over time, carrying multiple books – whether on a single shoulder or slung behind the back – can lead to some serious pains. Including backaches, muscle twinges, poor posture, and more. As a daily routine, that can go on for years, obviously this leads to some concern. In fact, it might be the very reason adults have ongoing back issues later in life. 

So how do we keep these kids (or adults returning for additional studies) safe through all the carried weight? 

Taking Advantage of Tech

One such way to reduce weight is through the use of technology. Items such as tablets or eReaders allow students of all ages to carry thousands of books (far more than they need) in a single, lightweight device. Talk to teachers about school policy for using such tech, and consider purchasing electronic versions instead. 

Cutting Down the Carry Load

Students don’t always have the same classes each day, which means heavier books can stay at home from time to time. This is especially true for college students, though more K-12 schools are switching to “block” or alternate schedules. 

Doing your Homework

Carrying books can be a heavy venture, but depending on the class they might not be needed in-person. Instead, consider reading and taking notes the night before, then using the notes in class for a lighter alternative. However, this should also be first discussed with the teacher to avoid any lack of preparedness. 

To save you or your child’s back, look to alternatives rather than heavy books. It just might be a simple switch that offers plenty of back relief for years to come. 

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Shop Easy with Live Support

Online shopping can be a great way to save time, however, it can also be a source of confusion. If a product isn’t described properly or isn’t paired with enough photos, we can’t fully decipher it, and need to know a thing or two before committing to buy. But when shopping at Contour Living, there’s no need to worry about lack of communication. Trained pros are standing by just waiting to have a live chat with each of our customers. Whether it’s you’re first time in or stopping back by for a repeat experience, a live chat will help answer any of your ongoing questions. Just open up the chat window (which automatically pops up in the lower left-hand corner), and ask as many questions as you desire. 

From shipping, to prices, to logistics, we’re here to ease your mind and create a well-informed shopper. Before you even stop to leave the computer! And there’s zero obligation – whether you chat for 30 seconds or 30 minutes. 

Why We Chat

Over the years, we’ve found the best way to create happy customers is to open the lines of communication. While some prefer to call or email, many just need a quick answer or clarification to a product they’re eyeing. Oftentimes those which are on sale or a new release that has yet to be thoroughly reviewed. 

By opening the chat feature, we found that customers were able to save time while still finding the information they desired. Then by combining that communication channel with the website (vs. opening up email or even clicking on a contact page), the correspondence time was cut down tremendously. From both sides of the spectrum; a win-win situation for all involved. 

How to Get Instant Feedback

The next time you’re ready to shop at Contour Living, simply click on the chat pop-up (it’s small, we promise), and gain live access to one of our knowledgeable representatives. It’s the fastest way to gain insider product info, and can be done from the comfort of your own computer. 

Click here to get started. 

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