And relax...

alarkra
alarkra Member Posts: 213
edited 17. Apr 2011, 19:39 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello!

Sorry I've not been about for a while - since finishing my job I've been out and about trying to make the most of my 'free' time seeing friends as well as resting... well, reading books and going to the cinema, not proper 'resting'.

So, after a hospital appointment today, I've been advised that I need to find ways to RELAX. My problem is that when I'm on a 'good' day I tend to rush about and fill my days (I know, I know, I shouldn't but I do with my RA but I always will, it's how I am) which means that I'm often wound up by the end of the day and find it hard to switch off. So I'd love to hear how you all find ways to relax or meditate. What works for you? I need to try and factor in some time in my day to de-stress and so would really like any ideas from you all.

I hope that you have been enjoying the sunshine and are all not having to fight arthur too hard at the moment. 8) xx

Comments

  • bubbles
    bubbles Member Posts: 6,508
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi hun, well, I am sure there will be plenty of ideas oh how to relax - sadly, I am not the worlds best one to ask :roll:
    There are all sorts of CD's, that people listen to, various sounds and the like, to soothe the mind, I seem to recall seeing them in the local health store recently. The natural flower remedies often help people, they also so a rescue remedy, good for pets too.
    Deep breathing, visualisation.

    Stress is a nasty beast, we all need it in some quantity and taming it can take practice. Wishing you well and take care, try not to overdo things. XX Bubbles
    XX Aidan (still known as Bubbles).
  • keith1971
    keith1971 Member Posts: 302
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hey......

    I like a long soak in the bath listening to some of my favourite music. Alternately watching very bad tv which requires zero intellectual effort. Oh & not wishing to appear too saucy but sex is also very relaxing too.

    :lol:

    K.
    x
    315yexv.jpg
  • jillyb1
    jillyb1 Member Posts: 1,725
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sit or lie on bed and cuddle a dog or cat ; very soothing ! I also find watching the sea relaxing and just sit at the beach here in Brighton breathing in the sea air , if you don't have the seaside near you maybe a river bank would have the same effect ! Jillyb
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, I'm the same as you, on good days I go at it, sometimes without even thinking about the time I'm doing things, then, the next day I wake in the night with pains and aches. Doing a little and then resting seems hard to follow, especially knowing that the jobs need to be done. If I do rest, when I'm feeling Ok I feel guilty and look around at the things I feel I should be doing and that makes me stressed!

    I've tried tecniques to relax, like lying down and trying to tighten and relax muscle groups, breathing exercises, etc. For me the best way is to pick up a book and read. That helps me forget the work that I 'ought' to be doing! See, I wrote ought without thinking and went back to stick the quotation marks in!!!
    I have come to the conclusion that I just have to try and give myself little breaks during my day as often as I can and use whatever means to relax that seems to feel good at the time.
    Love Suexx
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    I agree with Sue.....I'm one of those people that know they should pace themselves {and would tell others to do that :oops: } but I cant do it.....I feel a bit better and off i go and then I suffer for it. I dont mind suffering if I've been going out or doing something that I enjoy and I'm prepared for that but housework!!!!!! No....but I still do it :lol:
    Sues advice about short breaks is good

    Love
    Hileena
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Alarkra,

    Nice to see you again.

    There was a cd extract on the arthritis top bit, under about arthritis and it did the feel the tension leave you hands, arms etc as well as the breathing exercises to get you relaxed.

    Its a bit like double action breathing but it does help and it might be worth looking to see if it is still there?

    Its worth doing a the more you can relax, even if for just 10 mins the less pain you feel.

    I do it subconsciously now as I have been doing it for so long.

    You need someone like Puffin who i haven't seen for a while cus she know the sequence i have long forgotten and with a bit of luck she might be along and see your post.

    There are classes as well i think but will wrack my brain and see if i can remember the sitting with your eyes closed breathing deeply and letting the tension go with each breath as well as feeling the tension flow out of you thing [properly. Cris x

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