The Purpose Of Chill-Ax (Relaxation)

Have some 'you' time

Chill-Ax is something that us at time to heal writers have carried forward from time spent on a mental health ward. The purpose being a session that is planned into your day and allows you to remove yourself from everyday worries, stresses, anxiety and pain levels. (both mentally and physically) and allows you time time to either potter, be creative, read or complete any other activity you want to.

On the ward activities ran throughout the day and we were lucky with the opportunity to trial numerous activities that included colouring, reading newspapers, pottery, meditation, flower arranging, art, pottery and playing board games. Although this was introduced to us via mental health we all concur that it's an important concept with great value for psychosis and other mental health conditions but can also support people with any medical condition.

The principles are essentially the same. We are trying to reach for the best possible health. However, on the ward so follow the plan given to you and opt in and out of guided sessions. At home that becomes a very different scenario as you need to manage your health, organise your own activities and get your own meals, follow your own timetables of work, resting, hospital appointments etc.

So in light of that we 'structure' this time in 3 slots each day. This is manageable because of the health conditions that '3 Elements' lady refers to and her days spent at home, doing volunteer work, pacing and chunking etc. (If you haven't already then head to the home page button and read that first!).

Obviously we can't have chill ax exactly right at all time everyday but on days where home the times are set. Other days it's worked in around that time. Sometimes a trip out somewhere is actually the chill ax. Sometimes it may be that you don't want to structure you day like this and only utilise these ideas on the go or as and when you feel like you need them.

So our plan is a morning session which is orientated by numerous craft activities which give us the main pleasure and sense of achievement. A few minutes spent at the end of our morning slot usually entails some colouring to really calm down anxieties felt by whatever is coming next or to just have those few minutes to relax and think about what comes next on the day plan.

Whilst writing this I have realised that there are so many opportunities for you to utilise chill ax on the move. If you have a tablet or good phone why not try using those.

Think about what you like. If colouring is your thing and the train is late getting you home why not download Adult Colouring or Colouring for me. If word games are some for you then try letter soup. If you like a challenge try hexagon fit or Hexagon block logic. Another advantage to the colouring apps in particular is that anyone who lacks finger control or finds it hard to use pencils and grip then you can utilise the apps and make them larger to cater for every need.

At home put aside a box worth of distracting items such as Bop it, puzzle books, cue cards, guided medication, stress balls and puzzles like cubes which you can use if you are feeling anxious and just need a quick break from what you are doing.

Now head to the 'relaxation page' to find out how this works and some options that you may want to try.