Self-Relaxation Tips

[Juniper]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDSXkn0eESw

Compliments of one of my employers, and two wonderful colleagues.

Some of you probably already do this, but if you're not... these are great tips! Feel free to add more to this topic. If you have a video to share, even better (I'm a visual learner, so any time I get to see a demonstration, that's a way more effective way for tips to sink in).

[Medusa]

At first I was like ha...then I was like ohhh, good idea! I think I need to find me a tennis ball.

I relax and stretch using a scarf in bed (at times). I lie on my back and put my leg up in the air and stretch the scarf around my foot and pull. (mind you I have plantar fasciitus, so this is wonderful for stretching out my legs).

also brushing my long hair helps me relax.

[anubisa]

Is there any other stress relaxation techniques that you can recommend? I think part of my seizures are due to stress. I do a lot of reading and writing, which are stress relievers. I also and learning new things like embroidery, but is there something else that I can do?

[iris]

Is there any other stress relaxation techniques that you can recommend? I think part of my seizures are due to stress. I do a lot of reading and writing, which are stress relievers. I also and learning new things like embroidery, but is there something else that I can do?

Some guided meditations perhaps? There are lots on youtube. I use colouringbooks to calm down. Also singing, the self expression is calming, but the warm ups and breathing exercices really help too - when I feel stressed out I call my song teacher, nothing calms my mind and body quite as well as really focusing on breathing.

[Juniper]

Here's a few, but depending on the source of the stress, some other lifestyle changes may be required.



Massage*
Types such as Swedish, Shiatsu, and Craniosacral should be gentle modalities to help relax tight and overactive muscles. If you're not used to receiving massage, I would advise against harsher modalities like deep tissue and even hot stone could be a bit much right off the bat, although, hot stone is an excellent modality if you can't tolerate the pressure that deep tissue utilizes.


Acupuncture
Acupuncture can do wonders for many different conditions. I've used it to treat anxiety and am having my dog treated for arthritis and other ailments. I know some that use it for chronic pain, and others for weight-loss. Talk to a professional for their recommendation and if it's right for you.


Meditation
Because it can be just as calming and relaxing on it's own as it can be a tool to contact a deity or spirit. It's about the approach and intent.


Walking
Good for circulation and clearing and focusing the mind.


Running/Exercising
Not to mention healthy.


Yoga
Kind of a combination of exercise and clearing the mind.


Breathing Exercises
Getting that oxygen into the bloodstream can seriously do wonders for our body.


Change of Diet
It's possible you could have a dietary trigger or sensitivity. Finding out what that is could be a key piece of the puzzle.


A Hot Bath*




*Be careful with essential oils, though. There are some that contain neurotoxins and other convulsive components which could trigger an episode rather than prevent it. Read up on the scents you want to use to make sure it's safe.

[Chessa]

My college psychologist taught me that you have a certain muscle that tenses up first when you're stressed- for him it was his jaw, for me it's my shoulders or my hands. If you learn to be constantly aware of that muscle, and learn stretches to loosen it up, it prevents the stress from physically spreading, and it loosens up on your mind too.

- - - Updated - - -

Also, I just found this (sorry, I don't know how to resize it)5221

[anunitu]

I do remember there was a practice known as "Scream therapy" that I heard about back in the 80's,or might have been the 70's

Found here. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primal%20scream%20therapy)

[anubisa]

Thank you everyone for the recommendations. I've got a lot to try and being active is definitely, I think, one stress-relaxation technique I need to try more. Thanks again.

[iris]

Laughter can release some tension too. Do you like doctor who? Because I just remembered this and had to share it
https://youtu.be/e59guruVL4o