I haven't posted in a while because I was unsure of what to write about. But then I came across a post on the Internet about sleep disorders. Before I talk about that, though, I wanted to just fill in regular readers on the progress of the Free Your Mind campaign. As you may already know Free Your Mind is a campaign which aims to battle stigma towards mental illness through the use of art, music, film and culture; and, as you may not necessarily know, the last blog post was the first of many posts which will be centered around the campaign's core aims. So, with this post I am in danger of going back on myself but this was something I felt needed to be aired.
For a long time now my CPN and psychiatrist has been telling me that my rocky sleeping pattern is all my own doing and absolutely nothing to do with my mental illness.
I have trouble falling asleep and when I do I sleep for a long time. Along with that, I am told I move about a lot (night tremors) and I have very disturbing dreams that stay with me all day. The following is the research I found on sleep disorders.
The symptoms of sleep disorders often go unnoticed by the person concerned. These symptoms can express themselves as snoring, nocturnal sleepwalking and gnashing of the teeth. (I gnash my teeth all the time.) Nocturnal sweating and urination also impairs your sleep when suffering from a sleep disorder (Yep.), and this can sometimes result in bed-wetting.
The research I found says that most sleep disorders are caused by anxiety and stress. And to beat sleep disorders you can meditate, stay positive and keep a balanced nutrition. Which I completely agree with. But, at the same time, surely the state that my sleep problems are in should be ringing alarm bells in someone's ears, and not just mine! Or maybe my CPN's right and this is something I have to sort out by myself?!?
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Showing posts with label stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stress. Show all posts
Monday, 6 September 2010
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Inducing Calmness
Stress affects all of us, but especially those whom suffer from a mental illness. To function in the "outside world" people expect us to be calm rational individuals. But how is this possible when you have a mental illness? How do you combat stress?
Well... if you've got the money I suppose you could have a day trip to the spa. Otherwise, if you're on a budget, like me, there are cheaper alternatives.
The following relaxation techniques can help with emotions such as anxiety, or anger. I use most of these techniques as often as possible.
Technique #1: Music, candles and incense. This is a personal favourite of mine. Of course, just listening to music, or lighting candles, or incense, by themselves can be extremely relaxing; but I recommend a combination of all three. If you're in a bad mood, I nrecommend steering clear of the heavy metal, or trance, and putting something mellow on.
Technique #2: Bath or shower. I know, it sounds simple, but honestly, it works. Let the water wash away your troubles of the day. Immerse yourself in the water to get that truly refreshed feeling when you get out.
Technique #3: Be creative. Let your emotions fuel your creativity. Why not relax by doing a painting, or writing poetry, or a story, or playing an instrument. You don't have to be skilled, just embrace your creative side.
Technique #4: Dancing. This isn't necessarily relaxing, but dancing does release endorphins which make you eel elated, and this in itself can be calming.
There are, of course, many other relaxation techniques (feel free to add to my list). But the ones I have listed here are basic and simple, and can be used by anyone. Find what works best for you and soon you will feel calmer.
Related Free Your Mind Posts:
Diet and Mental Health
Well... if you've got the money I suppose you could have a day trip to the spa. Otherwise, if you're on a budget, like me, there are cheaper alternatives.
The following relaxation techniques can help with emotions such as anxiety, or anger. I use most of these techniques as often as possible.
Technique #1: Music, candles and incense. This is a personal favourite of mine. Of course, just listening to music, or lighting candles, or incense, by themselves can be extremely relaxing; but I recommend a combination of all three. If you're in a bad mood, I nrecommend steering clear of the heavy metal, or trance, and putting something mellow on.
Technique #2: Bath or shower. I know, it sounds simple, but honestly, it works. Let the water wash away your troubles of the day. Immerse yourself in the water to get that truly refreshed feeling when you get out.
Technique #3: Be creative. Let your emotions fuel your creativity. Why not relax by doing a painting, or writing poetry, or a story, or playing an instrument. You don't have to be skilled, just embrace your creative side.
Technique #4: Dancing. This isn't necessarily relaxing, but dancing does release endorphins which make you eel elated, and this in itself can be calming.
There are, of course, many other relaxation techniques (feel free to add to my list). But the ones I have listed here are basic and simple, and can be used by anyone. Find what works best for you and soon you will feel calmer.
Diet and Mental Health
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