I MUST relax, I MUST relax…
February 2, 2009 2 Comments
Its official: I’m so uptight that I’ve defeated medical science. Last week I went to the dentist to see if I could get a new jaw splint made – I’m a night-time tooth grinder, and I put the splint in my mouth at night to stop me grinding them down to stumps. I thought I must need a new one, because I’m back to waking in the morning with headaches and muscle pain.
The dentist poked about in my mouth and around my head, nearly launching me out of the seat in pain, then merrily told me that there was nothing wrong with the splint, that I am a chronic tooth mangler, and I need to find a way to relax. (It has to be said that as he is Irish, and delivered this news in a delightful sing-song accent, it was actually overall a pleasant experience).
By co-incidence I then went straight to an appointment with my ENT, to see if there was anything going on with my right ear that might be causing all the pain I was feeling both in and around it. More prodding, poking and seat launching etc, and he prounced my ear in very good condition, but the surrounding neck muscles tighter than any he had ever come across. Diagnosis: Very very tense. Prescription: Chill out.
So, having mulled this over for a few days, I’ve come to a decision. Starting today, and continuing as long as it takes, I’m going to try a new relaxation technique every week . Those of you who have read old blog posts will know that I’ve tried, and hated, both yoga and pilates, so those particular options will be a last resort.
This week, I’m going to start with doing at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every single day. Next week I will try the time tested and widely approved method of having a bath every night before I go to bed.
After that, I’m fresh out of ideas, so please, to save me from yoga or pilates, let me know of any suggestions you have. It has to take 30 minutes or less, including travel time, because I just don’t have any more time than that. And don’t tell me its not enough – if I did have more time, I probably wouldn’t be so tense in the first place, now would I?
I’ll keep you posted on the results 
Hanging upside down might stretch you into a relaxed position!
Send Andrew off to learn neck massage.
Warm wheat bags.
Would serious type swimming which would use those muscles get them working rather than tightening help — but you will either need to do many laps of your pool or take moe than half an hour.
In other words I really do not know what you should do but it would be good to find something
Wine! There really is no solution other than some good sav to knock you out…On another note, the post about M turning 6 was wonderful (note to self, must write in baby book!)