The Importance of Meditation and Downtime
When I was diagnosed with New Daily Persistent Headache I did not know how to control pain and could never pace myself. This caused pain to take over my life. After participating in a pain rehab program, trying dozens of medication regimes, and trying various alternative remedies, I realized the importance of meditation and relaxation.
About six months after my diagnosis, I started to meditate and practice yoga. At the start, it was definitely a challenge to focus because my mind would only focus on pain. Over time, meditation and yoga helped with my breathing and taught me pain management techniques. I continue to use the app Headspace, which has many programs including how to manage pain, how to manage anxiety, and basic meditation skills. I have completed many different programs on the app and am currently doing the sleep meditation every day before bed.
The two relaxation techniques that are most helpful for me are deep breathing and guided imagery, where I recreate a time in my life that was peaceful. I think about the five senses in that time and imagine myself at the location. When my pain increases, deep breathing and guided imagery help me relax and think about something other than pain.
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