Epilepsy Talk
Super Seizure De-Stressor | December 5, 2009
We all know that stress is a super trigger for seizures. Whether it’s family, friends, frustrations, conflict, work, school, fear, anger, anxiety, depression. The list is almost endless.
While nobody can say there’s a magic formula for de-stressing, you might give Progressive Muscle Relaxation a try. It’s a pretty powerful tool.
The advantages of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (or PMR) is that it’s easy to do, costs nothing, and requires only a little training and a few minutes of privacy.
Basically, what you are doing is deliberately tensing muscle groups, then releasing that tension. (That’s where the relaxation comes in!)
Here’s how simple it is:
1. Start by lying down on the floor, or sit in a comfortable chair…
2. Tense the muscles in your feet and hold that tension for about 10 seconds, being careful to not tense so tightly that cramps or pain occurs…
3. At the end of the 10 seconds, release the tension and drop your feet, allowing them to rest…
4. When your feet have tensed and released, go on to the next muscle group, in this case, your thighs…
5. Work through your entire body: feet, thighs, buttocks, stomach, chest, arms, neck, and then finally, facial muscles.
6. When you have tensed and released all the muscles in your body, search mindfully for any remaining spots of tension.
7. If you come across tension anywhere, mentally concentrate on this part and will it to relax. You can tense and relax any part again if it is needed.
8. After a few minutes, stretch, imagine the energy that is entering into each part of your body, then slowly sit up…refreshed and relaxed.
References:
http://www.epilepsyhealth.com/relaxation.html
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=9759&cn=353
http://www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/EOWeb.nsf/web/Relaxation+Techniques
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Also good for relief of chronic pain.
Comment by Arthur P. Johnson — December 8, 2009 @ 3:46 am
hi
Following a routine of any kind with simple techniques as shown is a certified way through all things . I.E. Thai chi.and many others
The stopping of these techniques as shown and stress and NOT focusing on myself is what led to my chronic condition today .
please stay focused on yourself “first” THEN the other problems of the world.
Trying to reverse this with meds after the fact now becomes a never ending revolving door of ups and downs from szs ,meds, meds szs, possible injurys during these szs .
So take this advice to heart for any reason .Focus on your mind,relief,release and your stubbed toe is no longer your BIG factor for your day. R.C.
Comment by wichitarick — January 8, 2010 @ 10:55 pm
I couldn’t agree with you more. Whatever method you’re using, stick to it. Your health (body and mind) depends on it!
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — January 8, 2010 @ 11:28 pm