Try a simple breathing relaxation:
- Stop what you are doing.
- Take a long, deep breath in and say the word RELAX in your mind.
- Slowly exhale, allowing your jaw to become relaxed.
- Feel the relaxation spreading down your body.
- Stay this way for approximately 30 seconds.
- Continue to do what you were doing regardless of how well you were able to do it.
Start by doing at least 5 mini-practices per day.
Pace your activities:
- Break your activities down into smaller chunks (for example: mowing the lawn in 30-minute periods instead of 2 hours straight).
- Set a timer to remind you to take breaks.
- Stop doing the activity when the timer goes off and rest for a predetermined period of time (for example: 10-15 minutes).
- If your activity requires you to be on your feet, plan a seated resting activity; If your activity requires you to be seated (for example, working on the computer), plan a walking or stretching break.
- It may take you longer to finish your activity, but you'll feel better at the end.
- Don't wait until your body forces you into rest -- you'll "pay for it" with increased pain and fatigue later. Instead: Take a break before you need a break!
