“It sounds so geeky, but I really do like studying and reading, and if I’m not working on ‘Harry Potter’, then my greatest relaxation is to sit with a book” – Emma Watson
Living with persistent pain can be stressful. Unfortunately stress can make your pain worse by causing the muscles throughout your body to become tense or to spasm.
Relaxing – easing your stress and muscle tension – can help reduce your pain levels. There are so many things you can try to help you relax.
For me it’s a bubble bath and a book. The water is warm and soothing, the bubbles smell lovely, and the book takes me away. – Mary
My own strategies encompass meditation, various forms of exercise, including swimming and walking, as many coffee-dates with smart and caring friends as I can manage, and at least an hour of downtime every day with my music and my books. – Matthew
My partner gives me a head massage. It’s so relaxing I often fall asleep mid-massage! – Karen