Rejuvenate Yourself

Instead of just resolving to exercise or eat right, think about how you can also take better care of yourself. Following are some simple ways to rejuvenate your spirit.

Relaxation Breathing

Use breathing techniques to help your body relax and take your mind away from everyday worries. Practice relaxation breathing by taking a breath in through your nose as you count to four, hold it as you count to seven, and breathe out through your mouth while you count to eight. Relaxation breathing will feel more natural with practice. Slow, steady breathing can help you relax tense muscles which can help you break a cycle of negative thoughts. Breathing techniques can be done anywhere at anytime. Put aside ten minutes during your day to focus on yourself.

Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves sitting or lying quietly and imagining yourself in a favorite peaceful setting (eg, beach, forest). Guided imagery, also called visualization, is more than just picturing your favorite peaceful setting—it's truly imagining yourself in that setting. Be as specific as possible. Imagine what sounds you hear, what sensations you feel (eg, cool or warm breeze), the textures you might feel, the sights you might see. The more specific your visualization, the higher level of relaxation you'll experience as your mind truly is "in" the relaxing place you're picturing.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressively relaxing your muscles is another technique that requires some practice but can help you achieve a state of complete relaxation. Begin by focusing on your toes and feet—deliberately tense the muscles in your toes and feet and then concentrate on letting the tension go in each muscle. Move your way up your body until you reach your head. Be careful about tensing areas in which you feel pain—if necessary, avoid those areas and focus on relaxing the rest of your body. When the rest of your body is relaxed, your pain areas may not feel as tense.

Yoga

Yoga is practice which may improve flexibility and muscle tone, develop deep breathing and relaxation techniques, and reduce stress. Yoga, developed 5,000 years ago, is an exercise that focuses on physical postures called "asanas" and breathing exercises called "pranayma." As with any exercise program, it's important to discuss yoga with your health care provider before beginning. It might help to begin your yoga practice in a class where an instructor can help you learn the postures and breathing. Yoga may not be for everyone, but it may be worth a try on your road to rejuvenation.

These are just a few of the techniques you can try to help rejuvenate yourself. There are many more, such as meditation, biofeedback, music therapy, and humor therapy to name a few. The most important thing to remember is to find a technique that works for you and to make time to use it. Don't give up on finding a way to relax and rejuvenate.

Sources:
The National Pain Foundation, www.NationalPainFoundation.org
Article adapted with permission from the National Pain Foundation.