Studies have shown that practicing Mindfulness can help to relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia and improve quality of life. Mindfulness encourages us to focus on the present moment, observing our thoughts and feelings without judgement or reaction. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques promote feelings of calm, lower stress levels and allow us to think more clearly. The pain of fibromyalgia may cause sufferers to feel stressed and anxious, both about current pain and worries of pain they may have in the future. Mindfulness brings our attention to the present moment and relaxes the body, allowing us to calm the sympathetic nervous system, reduce tension, think more positively and even reduce our perception of pain.
Try this simple Mindfulness practice:
Mindful Breathing
Sit comfortably in an upright position with both feet flat on the floor (or laying down if you prefer)
Place one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen.
Take a deep breath in through the nose, inhaling for a count of 5. As you inhale, breathe deeply into your abdomen, notice that hand rise as you fill your lungs with air.
Hold it there for a count of 5
Exhale through the mouth for a count of 5, make sure you release all air from your lungs, allowing yourself to relax deeper with each breath
Repeat this 5-10 times in a slow and steady rhythm, increasing your repetitions with more practice.
Pay close attention to the sensation of your breathing as you inhale and exhale, notice how the inhale feels as the cool air travels through your nostrils and down into your lungs. Notice how it feels as you hold for a count of 5. Notice how the warmer air feels as it travels from your lungs and out of your mouth. If your thoughts wander just bring your attention back to your breathing and allow yourself to relax deeper with each and every breath.
In my sessions I teach Mindfulness techniques, breathwork and a lovely hypnosis to allow you to fully relax and make positive changes to allow you to live a happier and healthier. Get in touch to find out more 07999458416, info@katerobertshypnotherapy.com.