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Our Yoga teacher said she had a more relaxing session planned for today.
Yikes! I really can’t sit on my heels for a long time.
I thought it was a tough session but I kept…
Just a reminder to be kind to yourselves today and everyday.
Take care of yourself as if you would an ill loved one. You deserve that cozy blanket, with the good show, a hot bath and that warm cup of tea.
Be kind to your body and what love it can manage to give you today and what love you can manage to give it.
Yoga is a wonderful option for some pain relief with Fibromyalgia and chronic pain in general. Yoga can help release tension from cramped up and tense muscles. Yoga is also a great stress buster and helps to reduce those feelings and effectively relax our nervous system. If you’re like me, high intensity workouts hurt me more than help me - being able to ease into each yoga pose slowly and be able to hold it for as long as it feels good for you and your body helps you feel both relaxed in your muscles and energized in your mind.
I like to curate a morning and evening yoga routine with the few practices I keep in my back pocket for those extremely high pain days.
Here’s a few yoga poses I suggest to help release some of that fibromyalgia tension and pain most of us experience:
1. Childs Pose - This asana helps to calm the mind.
It also gives a good stretch to the arms, shoulders, back, and hips.
2. Legs up the wall pose - By taking the weight off your feet, this pose helps relax the muscles of the hips and legs.
It relieves you of fatigue, a major symptom of fibromyalgia.
3. Cobra Pose - This pose helps flex the upper and middle back, another main affected area in fibromyalgia.
It also helps strengthen the arm muscles.
It helps improve blood circulation to various parts of the body.
It reduces fatigue; you feel deeply relaxed as you open up your shoulders and chest.
4. Bridge pose - This gives you a deep stretch to your back and wards off fatigue.
It also helps calm the nervous system so you feel less anxious.
It strengthens the back muscles, a possible tender point in those suffering from fibromyalgia.
5. Corpse Pose - It calms the mind and reduces both stress and fatigue.
It relieves headaches and sundry pains.
It helps you sleep better at night.
It may take you some time to get adjusted to these poses and how they feel for you but I advise to at least try them once, once a day, even just for 30 seconds. You’ve got this and most importantly…always listen to what your body needs from you. There’s no shame in having to adjust for ourselves and what we need to feel better in our bodies. Take care everyone 🦋
Ps. I posted some photos of each pose in the comments from google..each picture has the name of the pose underneath it. 🪬 and I also included a photo of my adorable yoga partner, my doodle who loves to join me on my mat everyday.
Well, I don't know that this is exactly the term for it, but I had successfully been using a daily routine to keep my efforts on track for about two weeks. So, last Thursday my routine was disrupted, as it was a sort of holiday here in Greece, the point of which is "Eat all the meat in sight before the 40day lent starts!". Of course, almost no one is doing lent for 40 days after it, but almost everyone consumes meat like it's the last time they get to. 😅 More of an eating tradition than a holiday at this point, and boy, do we get many of those in Greece!
Despite everything, I didn't overeat that day, I think everything was under control, but we did spend the night at my family home, with my partner. And guess what? You can't really perform your daily routine if you're not in your space! So I couldn't do my morning yoga, which I had been doing for 15 days straight. I thought, well, it doesn't matter, and I grabbed the opportunity to go on a hike, on a nearby mountain. It was about a 3 hour walk, and I absolutely loved every moment of it.
So after all this, I thought eating just a bit more yesterday, was okay, missing morning yoga, missing the gym that day, was okay.
But this little slip up gave me an opportunity to stretch the imperfect day, to a couple of days, and then to 3 or 4!
My partner, right now he seems to be even more prone to junk food than I am, so it makes it a bit harder for me to resist, when he doesn't, or when he invites it in. But, luckily, this only lasted 4 or 5 days. We both felt that we didn't need to be in that mental space that consuming junk food was creating for us, even if you exclude the reaction of the body completely.
But, unfortunately for my routine, on Monday I started an acting seminar. It's going great, and I'm really excited about it, BUT in terms of holding on to the routine, it's not helping, as it involves a commitment of 5 hours a day, 10am to 3pm, Monday through Friday, plus the extra work we need to put in at home, which is A LOT.
When I expressed my concerns to my therapist, about losing my routine when I start the 3-week seminar, she told me that I should focus on holding on to one or two components of my routine, and not try to do the whole thing, or, on the flipside, just completely cut it out until the course is finished.
So, these two elements combined led to me losing progress, as I gained 0,8kg, but most importantly, I lost control of my day-to-day, for the entirety of this past week. I just went through the motions, nothing more.
Today, a Saturday with no class, and, as I've been trying to get back on the horse, before it bolts into the woods and I can never find it again, I made a move.
I got up, I made my bed, I put my workout clothes on, and I rolled out the mat. And I went on youtube and I did the next practice of the 30-day Yoga Journey I'm taking, which is the one below. "Reset". And sweet Adriene, the instructor, said at the start of the video: "Today we take the opportunity to celebrate that we're halfway through the journey", which on its own made me smile, as I felt a sense of achievement for actually having done the first two weeks of the journey, even if they were before the slip-up, it was all the more reason to remember that this, all of it, it's something that I can do, but she went on to say "and we also take the opportunity to hit the reset button", and I teared up. I was resetting on my own anyway, and not exactly by choice, but I felt not alone, I felt like she was giving me an opportunity for a fresh start, although it doesn't need to be that, it only needs to be an invitation to continue where we left off, and that it was, as my body was fully able to answer the call. Nothing was gone, and it was all there.
start doing back stretches now please don't wait until you're my age or later start doing the healthy things for your back now it's never too early to think about your spine.
if you're able to do yoga the fish pose the cow pose the pigeon pose the various triangle and twisted triangle poses and the cobra pose are helpful. do every stretch to your level of comfort and ability. if you have hand weights they can be used to strengthen back muscles with advice from a professional!
if you are on your feet all day at work or sit down all day at work your back puts up with so much silently until the fluid between your vertebrae isn't as insulating anymore due to age and then all manner of pain begins and doing stretches every couple of hours for your neck, shoulders and back is worth it and start doing back stretches NOW PLEASE
How Stress Affects Joint Pain: Practical Tips for Emotional Well-being
Nowadays stress has become an almost unavoidable aspect of our daily routines. It is a common sentiment for many individuals - managing work obligations, family duties, and individual challenges can lead to a sense of being overburdened and apprehensive. However, stress is not solely a mental or emotional challenge;It can also have tangible effects on our physical well-being.
The Connection Between Stress and Joint Pain
Stress and joint pain might seem like unrelated issues, but research and clinical observations reveal a deeper connection between the two. When we experience stress, our bodies enter a heightened state of alertness, releasing a cascade of stress hormones like cortisol. While this physiological response is useful in short bursts, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our health, including exacerbating joint pain.
1. Inflammation: A Key Player
One of the primary ways stress affects joint pain is through inflammation. Stress hormones can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, which may worsen conditions such as arthritis. Chronic inflammation can lead to increased pain and stiffness in the joints, making everyday activities more challenging.
2. Muscle Tension and Posture
Stress often manifests physically as muscle tension. When you’re stressed, you may unconsciously tighten your muscles, especially around the neck, shoulders, and back. This muscle tension can strain the joints and exacerbate existing joint pain. Poor posture resulting from muscle tension can also contribute to discomfort and joint issues.
3. Immune System Impact
Chronic stress can compromise the immune system, making the body less effective at repairing and maintaining healthy tissues. This can lead to worsening joint conditions, as the body’s ability to fight off inflammation and repair damaged tissues is diminished.
Practical Tips for Managing Stress to Relieve Joint Pain
While it may not be possible to eliminate stress entirely, there are effective strategies you can employ to manage it better and alleviate its impact on joint pain. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain emotional well-being and support joint health:
1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can significantly reduce stress levels. These techniques help calm the mind and body, reducing the overall impact of stress on your joints.
2. Regular Physical Activity
Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise can be beneficial for both stress management and joint health. Activities such as swimming, walking, or yoga can help reduce stress and improve flexibility and strength in the joints. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and helps alleviate muscle tension.
3. Healthy Diet
A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can support joint health and manage stress. Incorporate foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and berries into your meals. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining joint lubrication and overall health.
4. Adequate Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for managing stress and allowing your body to recover. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to help reduce stress levels and support overall joint health. Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a relaxing bedtime environment can improve sleep quality.
5. Seek Support
Talking to a therapist or counselor can provide valuable support in managing stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can help you develop coping strategies and address underlying issues contributing to stress.
6. Joint Health Supplements
In addition to lifestyle changes, certain supplements can support joint health and alleviate discomfort. JointXL Plus, available at JointXL Plus, is a supplement designed to promote joint comfort and mobility. It combines a blend of natural ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory and joint-supportive properties.
Spotlight on JointXL Plus
JointXL Plus is formulated with a powerful blend of ingredients aimed at supporting joint health and relieving discomfort.
Here’s a closer look at what makes JointXL Plus a noteworthy option for those struggling with joint pain:
Key Ingredients:
Turmeric Extract: Known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps reduce inflammation and support overall joint health.
Boswellia Serrata: This herbal extract is celebrated for its ability to improve joint function and reduce pain.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These compounds are essential for maintaining cartilage health and promoting joint lubrication.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): MSM supports joint flexibility and helps reduce pain and stiffness.
Benefits:
Reduces Inflammation: The combination of turmeric and Boswellia Serrata helps address inflammation, which can alleviate joint pain.
Supports Joint Health: Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to maintain cartilage and improve joint mobility.
Enhances Flexibility: MSM contributes to joint flexibility and reduces stiffness, making movement more comfortable.
Safety and Usage:
JointXL Plus is generally considered safe for most individuals. However, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Conclusion
The relationship between stress and joint pain is complex but crucial to understand. By managing stress effectively through lifestyle changes, mindfulness practices,
and supportive supplements like JointXL Plus, you can alleviate joint discomfort and improve your overall well-being.
Remember, taking proactive steps to manage both stress and joint health can lead to a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
and in case anyone is like "but Steph, 6 hours of sleep is still pretty decent!" I have this problem:
tiny little wakeups, multiple times an hour. which means no long periods of deep-deep sleep. should I go to a sleep specialist about it? probably. that'll be a question for when I eventually get a family doctor again (if that ever happens) because the Alberta healthcare system is a shambles right now.
VERY vindicating to feel cold & a little sad and think......"maybe i should go watch a video in bed. or do i actually need to do yoga? no ill just snuggle" and then watching a video in bed makes u blissfully happy.
The thing about my depressive episodes is that they sneak in so quietly and by the time I realize it, I'm in the deep that it's all like FUUUUUUUUUCK. And it's a bitch trying to get out
And it snuck in real good this time with all my dental work, Stardew Valley 1.6 update, dead dad day (aka the anniversary of my dad's death), and The Tortured Poets Department (which should've been a depression red flag because it became my instant favorite after the first listen 😂).
So now I'm back clawing my way out of this depression hellhole with trying to get my exercise and diet back on track because those got out of whack.
If you’re expecting a baby, you may be wondering how to incorporate yoga into your pregnancy. Practicing yoga during pregnancy has many benefits - it can help to reduce stress and boost energy levels, as well as improve strength and flexibility. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 10 tips for practicing yoga while pregnant, so you can make the most of your prenatal yoga practice.
1) Get the all-clear from your GP before you start
It's important to check with your GP or midwife before beginning any exercise routine while pregnant, especially when it comes to yoga. This is because the postures and breathing exercises that makeup yoga can have different effects depending on the individual. Having a medical professional's opinion will ensure you're engaging in safe, beneficial practices. Speak to your healthcare provider about any potential risks so you can make an informed decision about practicing yoga during pregnancy.
2) Join a class led by a qualified teacher
Attending a yoga class led by a qualified instructor is one of the best ways to practice yoga safely during pregnancy. A good instructor can show you how to modify poses and make sure that your practice is tailored to the changes happening in your body. An experienced yoga instructor will know what is safe and beneficial for pregnant women and can make adjustments to the class accordingly. Practicing with an experienced instructor will also help to keep you motivated, encouraged and supported throughout your pregnancy.
3) Listen to your body
Prenatal yoga classes are a great way to learn which poses are safe during pregnancy. While practicing yoga, be sure to pay attention to your body's cues. If a pose is causing discomfort or pain, stop immediately and adjust your position or switch to a different pose. When listening to your body, it's best to opt for gentler movements and take regular breaks. Avoid holding poses for too long, as this can increase your risk of injury. Finally, ensure that you get the all-clear from your doctor before starting any prenatal yoga classes.
4) Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is especially important when practicing yoga during pregnancy. Make sure to drink water before, during and after your practice to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks and sugary juices as they can contribute to dehydration. Keeping a bottle of water on hand and sipping throughout your practice can help ensure that you stay hydrated throughout your session.
5) Avoid hot yoga
When practicing yoga during pregnancy, it's important to avoid hot yoga or any class with high temperatures. Pregnant women are more sensitive to heat and can overheat quickly, which can cause problems for the baby. Instead, opt for classes in a well-ventilated space with a comfortable temperature that won't cause you to sweat too much. This will help keep you and your baby safe and comfortable while you practice.
6) Don't push yourself
If you're new to yoga, or pregnant, it's important to take things slowly and not push yourself too hard. Modify poses as necessary, and listen to your body
7) Modify poses as necessary
If a pose doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to modify it. Listen to your body and make whatever adjustments you need to in order to feel comfortable.
8) Use props
Props can be very helpful when practicing yoga during pregnancy. For example, using a yoga block can help you maintain proper alignment in certain poses.
9) Focus on your breath
Breathing is an important part of yoga, and it can be especially helpful during pregnancy. Taking deep, cleansing breaths can help you relax and focus.
10) Relax and enjoy!
Pregnancy is a time to relax and enjoy your body. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to do Advanced poses or to be perfect. Just focus on enjoying the experience and connecting with your baby.
not to do self-pity but literally every time i take sensible, reasoned, doctor-recommended steps to improve my health and wellbeing and life in general, everything gets worse