WeAreLupus.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Lupus & Fibromyalgia

Michelle

Everyone knows the phrase 'Relax!!' which you often hear when others see you rushing about all hot and flustered - it can be annoying to hear it, but often 'the others' are right. Taking time to relax can only be good for you and your mental state - but what I want to find out is: do you actually organize time to relax?? I know I don't but I should, reading the connected article about Relaxation you see some tips on how to relax but I must admit I rarely make time to do these activites. What do you guys do?? You all big relaxers?? Do you think from reading this you might make more time to relax?? Would love to hear your thoughts...

6 months ago

Judy

No, I don't organize time to relax even though I really should! I tell myself that everyday. I really need to allot some relaxation time because I get tired so easily and relaxing for a bit really rejuvenates you.

5 months ago

Raj

I totally agree with you guys...taking out time to relax is essential! I have been doing that now for the past couple of weeks and it has made a mammoth difference in my life!

5 months ago

Elyse

I'm definitely trying. I'm not one to sit down and do nothing, and that has been the biggest challenge with this disease.  I need to schedule things that I find relaxing into my calendar so I can do it.  Yoga in the park is on the schedule for Sunday morning :)

5 months ago

Jennifer

I agree. It is so important! I usually wait until I start feeling bad and then I remember to take it easy. It's such a simple thing...you'd think it would be easier to do. When I do relax, though, I usually just go to bed and sleep for hours. I LOVE TO SLEEP!!!

5 months ago

Olly

I should try to relax more than I do. And in a way, it's funny saying that, because I don't really do anything from day to day, because I'm too tired and in too much pain to do so. But even though I have so much time, I don't seem to relax very much... When I do relax, I tend to try and create a really really chilled out environment, with incense sticks, slow chilled out music, and nothing to distract me. It does definitely help, if only for a little while.

5 months ago

angie

my issue was i was lying around too much.  i was barely living. i would go to work, come home and lay across the bed..

5 months ago

Connie

I love to scrapbook, read and take rides on my motorcycle when this illness allows me a few moments free of pain. Life is so precious for all of us and I think that wether it is reading, meditating, yoga or just taking a few moments to enjoy a bit of peace, is such a wonderful thing. We could all use more mapped out time to relax, after all they do say the hustle and bustle and living the fast pace of life does not help our illness - I think we can all agree we should all commit to more things that help us relax  :)

5 months ago

Dawn

 I typically do NOTHING on weekends.  This drives my friends crazy because I often refuse to go places with them unless I'm TRULY feeling well enough.  But after running, working, cleaning, and taking care of my dog all week, I love having 48 hrs to myself.  

5 months ago

Lauren

i really do love driving. I think its probably my biggest stress-reliever.. i just turn my music up really loud and it just zones everything else away. I also try taking classes at my gym like yoga, pilates, yoQi, and some other "low impact" ones. i always leave in a good mood

5 months ago

brm214

I just got back into reading.  I haven't picked up a good read in 5 years.  All the reading I did to earn my B.S. degree turned me off from anything too deep.  That for me is how I relax.  I have a 15 month little one that is walking and starting to run.  He keeps me so busy, but I try each day to have a little "me" time, even if it is casually browsing around on the computer. So...reading and computer is what I do to relax.  I LOVE TO SLEEP and get at least 10 hours per night, sometimes even 12. 

5 months ago

Sofee

Ususally I take a nap during the day.  I try to keep my days filled but I make time for a nap in the afternoon.  It's refreshing and allows me to go out at night and hang out.  On the weekends though I give my self a mani - pedi, pampering yourself is ALWAYS a good way to relax and reflect.

5 months ago

Barb

I really don't have a choice but to relax when needed.  I had to retire early and am on disability, therefore I have the luxury of sleeping when I need to.  I move a lot slower (unless I'm in my Jazzy lol) and enjoy my grandkids and see the simple things as such a blessing now.  I don't really "pamper" myself but I take it easy most of the time because I can't walk very well and I am tired ALL the time.  Lupus has been a blessing to me because I have learned what's important in life and it sure isn't rushing around everywhere.

5 months ago

Kara

I take anywhere from 5-10 minutes out of my busy morning to do some (very) simple yoga moves. I focus on my breathing, very light stretching, and getting my mind ready for the day to come. It works wonders!

5 months ago

Liz

I take a short nap everyday when my baby naps. I really need it by 2pm. I have taught myself to relax ever since I got on disability over 2 years ago.  I have always been a girl on the go, but realized I'm not that young, healthy girl anymore. I feel so much better now that I have slowed down.
3 months ago

lasonja

I try to relax after working 4 days 10 hour shifts at work. I also take call for any surgical emergencies one night a week and every 3rd weekend. I would love to enroll in a yoga class but when I get home I walk my two poodles, eat , take a shower and hit the sack so I actually dont relax. on my weekends off I could sleep for 48 hours which drives my husband crazy! I did three walks in the span of two weeks ( heart walk oct. 11, breast cancer walk Oct. 18, Lupus walk Oct. 19 ) and I became severely dehydrated and ended up in the emergency room. I'm slowly learning what my limitations are and how to say NO.  Any suggestions?3 weeks ago.