More ways than you think

“It sounds so geeky, but I really do like studying and reading, and if I’m not working on ‘Harry Potter’, then my greatest relaxation is to sit with a book” – Emma Watson

Living with persistent pain can be stressful. Unfortunately stress can make your pain worse by causing the muscles throughout your body to become tense or to spasm.

Relaxing – easing your stress and muscle tension – can help reduce your pain levels. There are so many things you can try to help you relax.

Ways you can relax:

• Focused and controlled breathing
• Mindfulness meditation
• Gardening
• Visualisation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Listen to music
• Catch up with friends
• Get a massage
• Laughter
• Visit a museum/gallery/library
• Distraction
• Read
• Play with your pet
• Guided imagery
• Take a warm bath or shower
• Play a musical instrument
• Do some art and craft
• Get back to nature – a stroll by the sea, a walk in a park

Personal perspectives

For me it’s a bubble bath and a book. The water is warm and soothing, the bubbles smell lovely, and the book takes me away.  – Mary

My own strategies encompass meditation, various forms of exercise, including swimming and walking, as many coffee-dates with smart and caring friends as I can manage, and at least an hour of downtime every day with my music and my books. – Matthew

My partner gives me a head massage. It’s so relaxing I often fall asleep mid-massage! – Karen

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