-
What are your go-to relaxation techniques?
It’s no surprise that managing SMA can be stressful sometimes. That’s why it’s important to have relaxation techniques to help calm you down and quiet your mind. For me, that’s reading a good book. At this time of year, I also like to lay in the sun for about 30 minutes at around 5 pm. The sun isn’t too hot at that point, and it’s so peaceful to feel the warmth of the sun.
What are some ways that help you relax? How do you unwind from stressful days?
-
2 Replies
-
Seeing that stress can complicate any health issue, relaxation strategies are really important.
Reading is a great way to get out of your own life for a minute.
Sunshine does a body good. Literally. Vitamin D is very helpful in dealing with depression and anxiety.
I try to meditate every day. There are a ton of good meditations on YouTube, try a couple and see which ones you like. Box breathing has been really good for me too. From there I investigated different kinds of breathing exercises that have been very practical
Mindfulness. It helps me shift my focus from what I can’t control to what is actually in my hands. It’s very easy to drown in everything we’ve lost (access, strength, abilities) but there’s nothing we can do about those things. Celebrate what we can do right now and try not to live in the graveyard of lost abilities.
Gratitude. Lots and lots of gratitude. Consider this: when you’re driving a car (or bike or wheelchair) will begin to swerve in the direction your eyes are looking. Apply that same idea to your emotions. The reality is a lot in our lives can suck, can be hard and painful and grief stricken over everything we’ve lost. The reality is also that we can communicate, we have people in our lives, and that the Internet makes it so none of us are quite so isolated. Not saying it’s easy but when I’m having a really rough day, I stop and I make a list of everything I’m grateful for and it helps.
Nature, nature, nature. I take my dogs out to the backyard every day. The fresh air and being around plants is very healing. Just started reading Blue Mind about the science behind humanity’s love for the ocean. It looks at how we have evolved with the ocean and how healing that relationship can be.
-
All great ideas!! Also, you’ll have to tell me more about this book. I have such a strong affinity for the beach/ocean. It’s my happy place, the place I go to refuel my soul. I wish I lived in a climate where I could visit all year round without freezing my butt off. Do you live near the beach?
Log in to reply.