Mental Health is extremely important to consider for anyone, but for those with LTHC’s and/or disabilities symptoms can be closely connected with stress, change and uncertainty. Therefore, Time To Heal have updated their Relaxation page in line with some amazing resources produced by agencies and organisations. Over this month which encompassed Mental Health Week we have looked at anxieties and fears from lockdown easing affects those with LTHC’s and Disabilities, browsed through ways to overcome barriers to returning to exercise, and now we finish with Relaxation. This little gem can make a real difference to our lives and is crucial to import into your day.
We’ll browse over a few ideas, but head to the Time To Heal Relaxation Page which is re-launching today for more information and some great links, tips and opportunities.
When the word relaxation is mentioned the automatic assumption to many is that of meditation, candles, incense sticks, yoga and mindfulness. Many discard this but let’s challenge these thoughts as this really is a myth that can easily be dispelled. In fact we can categorically state that is not the case, although for many these may work incredibly well, but we are all unique.
Let’s start with a couple of definitions to get us moving;
‘Relaxation in psychology is the emotional state of a living being, of low tension, in which there is an absence of arousal that could come from sources such as anger, anxiety, or fear. According to Oxford Dictionaries[2] relaxation is when the body and mind are free from tension and anxiety’.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relaxation_(psychology))
Followed by this definition from Merriam Webster
1.The act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
2. A relaxing or recreative state, activity, or pastime : DIVERSION
3. The lengthening that characterises inactive muscle fibres or muscles
So a wide ranging statement which essentially shows that relaxation can be anything that makes you feel good, that you can absorb yourself in and remain calm and focused on. A task or activity that gives you pleasure. You may experience some frustration along the way as you learn but once you find what works for you you’ll be pleased you followed through.
Relaxation can be an extension of current hobbies and interests or skills that you have lurking away in the cupboard. It may be something you have done in the past that you really miss like singing or dancing. Something you can pull back into your life. If putting on your favourite tunes and dancing to them or having a quick sing along is your thing then great! It doesn’t have to revolve around a 60minute home yoga set that your partner does each day! (Unless of course you try it and enjoy!)
Health & Well Being For Specific Medical Conditions
In relation to health and well being we can look at examples which support specific conditions such as The Pituitary Foundation who have produced Relaxation Tips For Those With Pituitary Conditions which explores perceptions of relaxation, the purpose of it and the barriers that are faced. They highlight the importance of this as;
Relaxation and Recovery are the PURPOSE of resting
Negative thoughts inhibit the body’s ability to recover energy
Stopping physical activity and relaxing are not always the same thing
If you are sitting down, but feeling irritated, frustrated, resentful about feeling tired, you are not in fact ‘relaxing’ but using mental energy,
and follow on to state how it is something that needs to be undertaken but also improved.(https://pituitary.org.uk/information/living-with-a-pituitary-condition/relaxation-tips/)
Meanwhile Versus Arthritis explores Why Yoga & Tai Chi Are Beneficial For Our Bodies & Minds. They also highlight stress reduction, especially with Tai Chi, the gentle movements that can stretch the muscles and reduce flare ups and therefore reduce stress and promote well-being, good mental health and happiness.
Exercise and Relaxation Go Together
Ways To Move While Being Active is part of the We Are Undefeatables Campaign for those with LTHC’s to ensure they are getting some gentle exercise. Lots of great ideas that you can follow at home or outdoors.These Five ways to Move ideas are a handy and completely customisable mini-workouts, are simple to follow and within the four different categories you can pick from; improve your strength, unwind and relax, or just have a bit of fun. There's something in there for everyone and the additional feature here is that you are exercising as well as relaxing. Visit the We Are Undefeatable Getting Started page, select, print and use!
Less Traditional - Jigsaws
According to Babame an Article entitled Why Are Jigsaws Relaxing explains it as;
'Completing jigsaw puzzles is an absorbing task, so much so that you can lose hours to it and completely forget anything else that was troubling you. And it is this meditative effect that makes puzzles so good for relaxation. It’s interesting that one of the reasons meditation has so many benefits is that it causes both sides of the brain to work together just like a jigsaw’.
This enables a calming sense of control and therefore relaxation. Jigsaws also come in many shapes and sizes so there are options within this to access them. If going traditional is your thing and you like to hold a jigsaw piece in your hand and have the box next to you then some libraries offer a service to borrow jigsaws. Charity Shops have always got a good supply that are cheap to try. As always with such items the internet brings another new and modern twist.
There are some great app’s Two great ones are Jigsaw and Kristanix. Both can be downloaded through the Apple and Android Stores. What’s great about these is that they give you free daily puzzles and the option to gain points to swap for downloadable themed sets or you can make in app purchases. All easy to use on iPads, tablets and laptops, which makes them more mobile and accessible whenever you have a few minutes to spare and need a quick relaxation fix! You can choose the amount of pieces that you want, adjust your screen size, select what appeals to you and you won’t clutter the house with big boxes!
Family Relaxation - Love Disney?
Then what about using the Disney Parks Playlists on Youtube? Plan in some family time and browse through the full playlists which cover everything Disney. From shows, to park guides, music and behind the scenes information. One recommendation is Disney Parks - How To Draw. Learn from the best animators there are to draw all your favourite characters in easy to follow videos . You have 44 to try and master! Plenty available to keep the whole family involved but with each person picking their own playlist to make it a personalised and special sharing time together. You don’t even need to be in the same room. Just check in with each other at the end of your slot!
Head on over to the Time To Heal Page where you'll find some additional links and relaxation tips. Enjoy your inner calm!
Important links are below;
Time To Heal Relaxation Page
Versus Arthritis - Why Yoga & Tai Chi Are Beneficial For Our Bodies & Minds
Relaxation Definition
Disney Parks - Full Animation YouTube Playlist
Full Animation Drawing List
We Are Undefeatables - Five ways To Move In Five Minutes
Ways To Relax While Being Active
Pituitary Foundation - Relaxation Tips
Why Are Jigsaws Relaxing?
Coming next…
As we head into June we will explore the bond of Father and Son and the pivotal role that Dad’s should be playing in order to ensure the happiness of their children through shared passions that allow open talking, relaxation, family time and in turn benefits both mentally and physically.
We approach this as we did Mother’s Day. All acceptance to the modern day families with Two Dad’s and Two Mum’s and Fathers lost. Embrace the connection between Parent and child.