In the last few weeks, I have discussed this several times in my blogs, on other blogs, or in person. I began this process about 30 years ago. I used to listen to a self-hypnosis tape while I did it and that helped a lot. However, I have found recently that it helps me anytime I need to relax and I don’t need the tape anymore.
What I think is important is that you turn inward and ignore what’s going on around you. When I was in the hospital and the nursing home here recently, I used this a lot through the days and nights to calm down, rest, and/or sleep. It worked well for me and I decided I should share it.
When I do it for resting or sleeping, I try not to move, just relax. After about the 3rd time, I notice that I feel so much calmer and can close my eyes and mostly ignore whatever is going on around me.
What could it hurt? Try it for a few weeks. If it works even just a little bit, that’s a good thing, right?
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Namaste,
Scott
Originally, I wanted to say that I don’t get stressed out anymore since the stroke, but that isn’t quite true. I do realize that when I realize I am going to have to do something that will be difficult or long for me, I do get a bit stressed. I can, usually, stop it or slow it down by just realizing that it’s not forever and not quite as important as I might have originally thought. I also use an 8 count relaxation routine that works really well for me.
Count from 8 to 0. Breathe in deeply, then count as you exhale through your mouth slowly.
8- relax your right arm
7-relax your left arm
6-relax your right leg
5-relax your left leg
4-relax your stomach
3-relax your chest
2-relax your face
1-relax the top of your head
0-relax your spine
relaxing can be just tightening a muscle in that area and releasing it (for awhile, then it becomes automatic)
I do this several times with a couple of breaths in between. At night, I do it 5-6 times and it really helps me sleep.
I have done this for years. It has gotten better over time.
Maybe it can help you,
Scott
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