In this episode, I talk about how to relax tense muscles. Part of the reason for some people to have body muscle tension is that they are on guard. They don't feel safe. The sneaky thing about it is that you might not even realize you are muscularly tense. Until you twist the wrong way or hit a pressure point.
The Trevor Project: Provides crisis support specifically for LGBTQ+ youth through phone (1-866-488-7386), text (START to 678-678), and online chat. Available 24/7. They also provide peer support and community.
Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.
Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.
This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you already have an anxiety condition, having muscle tightness just makes it feel worse. There are a couple of things you can do to help yourself feel better.
This is one of those things to start now as opposed to when your body locks up on you. The tools mentioned in the show include water, off the shelf medication, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Resources Mentioned:
For my visual learners there are dozens of PRM videos, many of them designed for beginners. I'm trying not to pick AI, ones but these days it is getting harder to tell. These are are few examples of them:
Therapy in a Nutshell has a YouTube short of facial PRM
From John Hopkins University, Department of Rheumatology, this video is intended for people that have these types of problems but the technique is the same for everybody. This technique is demonstrated in a chair.
And if you would like a yoga infused one, this is a 20 minute version with Yoga with Rachel.
Simple Psychology has a page on PMR, this is an explainer with detailed information on how to do a body cycle of relaxation.
For you Canadians on the BC side, there is Healthlink BC page on doing Progressive Muscle Relaxation. For example, take your hands, clench them for four to ten seconds and then release. Then move on to the next group of muscles.
The MedShadow Foundation is a non-profit organization that looks at over the counter and prescription drugs, Food and Drug Administration recalls and issues related to consumer health safety.
They also have a section of their website that has guides about supplements, medications and side effects, and other topics. You do have to give your email address in order to download the guides.
Emergency Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options.
National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.
Disclaimer:
Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.
Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.
This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
