Does COVID-19 have you feeling a bit stressed? When we are stressed, our pain increases. There are so many new recommendations each day about what we need to do to stay safe that it’s reassuring to focus on the things that don’t change. Here are a few simple things you can do each day to ease pain and stress.

  1. Take time to go out on a spring morning and listen to the birds singing.
  2. Watch a sunrise or sunset with your loved ones and appreciate the beautiful colors.
  3. Apply a moist heating pad for 15-20 minutes to a sore joint or muscle to help you relax.
  4. Take a warm shower or bath to help decrease muscle tension.
  5. Do something you enjoy to relax and control pain. Maybe for you that’s listening to music, reading a book or taking a walk.
  6. Meditate and practice diaphragm breathing. When our pain intensity is elevated, we tend to hold our breath, which increases our pain level. Learning diaphragmatic breathing can help us relax. Take five minutes every day to practice diaphragm breathing.
Diaphragmatic-Breathing

Diaphragmatic Breathing
Find a relaxing, quiet area and sit or lie where you are most comfortable. Place your hands on your stomach. Breathe in deeply through your nose and feel your stomach rise. Hold your breath for a few seconds. Breathe out through your mouth. If you want you can close your eyes.

Be creative! Enjoy your quiet time, eat right and take care of yourself. Remember to wash your hands frequently and leave home only if it is essential. Let’s all be healthy at home, but not bored, and remember when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Happy spring!

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury You May Not Know

What exactly is a traumatic brain injury? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that can be caused by a forceful jolt, bump, or hit to the head. It can also be caused by a sharp object that pushes through the skull and into the brain. Such injuries are often caused by car accidents, falls, sports, or natural disasters. For example, a concussion is a mild form of TBI; however, not all injuries to the head will cause a TBI.

Floor Transfers: Why They’re Important

Floor transfers, the ability to get down and rise from the floor without assistance, are an indicator of an individual’s functional independence, quality of life, and a predictor of longevity and overall health. This seemingly simple movement represents a complex integration of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination that is closely linked to one’s overall functional mobility.

Heart Healthy Foods

Five Foods That Promote Heart Health

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, women, and most ethnic groups in the United States. While some risk factors—such as age, gender, and family history—are beyond our control, many other factors can be managed through lifestyle choices. Diet, physical activity, stress management, and avoiding tobacco all play a critical role in supporting heart health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.