with fibromyalgia. Although if your reading this without fibromyalgia the techniques are still worthwhile to try; we all need to know how to relax, particularly at the moment with Coronavirus.
The constant pain experienced with fibromyalgia makes every day tasks more difficult to do.
Simple things like preparation of a meal and shopping for food are tasks that become challenging.
I choose simple meals to cook that have a minimum of preparation. Buying some vegetables ready to cook; like butternut squash can speed up prep time and help to avoid struggling to cut them up.
Having my shopping delivered has made a big difference and can help me budget easier.
Like most things you find your own way to getting these jobs done.
My experience….
When I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia I had pain in my neck and shoulder constantly.
I remember thinking I’d do anything to get rid off the pain. I was constantly visiting my doctor for help with various ailments, due to fibromyalgia. It was suggested I try physiotherapy. I went along and was given various exercises to carry out along with relaxation techniques.
The relaxation exercises were really helpful, although it took a while to learn how to do them properly and get some benefit from them.
Why should I try relaxation?
Just the thought of being able to relax can seem out of reach if your in pain. Finding ways to de stress and relax is something that can make a difference.
Our bodies are under a lot of stress constantly and I found this stress had a big impact on how severe the pain was. When I was able to relax the pain was not as severe.
How do I relax?
There a number of techniques you can try and it’s a good idea to try more than one technique, as you may respond better to certain ones. It’s more beneficial to practice for as long as possible, up to 20 minutes.
What can I try?
Breathing Exercises
To do this properly, find a quiet place you can sit for a while. Start to focus your mind on your breathing. Take long, deep breaths, try not to rush these. Breathe from your belly and focus your attention on the sound and feel of the breath. By concentrating on breathing it can take your mind away from other thoughts. Check with your health professional to see if this is suitable for you, if you have experienced breathing difficulties.
Body Scan
Try this technique by taking a few deep breathes first. Now focus the mind on the body as a whole and scan it from top to bottom for areas that seem tense. Think about each area in turn and imagine each part in turn, releasing tension in the muscles. When you have completed each area. Try another full body scan again, the tense areas should feel much more relaxed. This technique helps your mind to become more aware of areas that need attention.
Mindfulness Meditation
Taking mindfulness a step further incorporating it into daily meditation practice can encourage the mind to work in a regular pattern.
Mindfulness meditation works by silently spending a few minutes every day thinking about one aspect of the body, such as breathing awareness and acknowledging thoughts. When they arise and bringing back attention to the breathing. Take a look at my post.
Visualisation Therapy
To carry out this exercise successful you need to concentrate the mind on places and images you find calming and encourage positive thoughts. Looking at photos from the past or remembering places you have visited could help. There are apps that you can download to help with this technique.
Yoga
Yoga is a gentle form of exercise that combines controlled breathing with movement and postures. It’s a good choice if you want to improve your flexibility. It’s recommended to start by joining a group to learn the basic poses. Check with your doctor first to see if they think it’s suitable for you.
Most of these techniques can be carried out almost anywhere to help reduce stress and concentrate the mind.
As with all forms of exercise check with your doctor first it you are not sure if an exercise is suitable for you.
You can find further help and information on the following resources:
