IBS : A quick trick when you’re feeling tense

   03/12/2024

December is here again, and the run-up to Christmas has begun! So I thought I would share this quick trick with you if you’re feeling tense, and don’t know how to shake it off.

Feeling tense? Here’s what you can do

We can all work ourselves up into a funk. We get anxious, worked up, and sometimes none of the usual techniques, such as deep breathing, soothing music, switching off the news, or try trying to distract yourself, do any good.

When you’re feeling tense, this quick technique actually accompanies what you’re feelingrather than fight it.

Read this through first, so you know what’s involved – and then we’ll put it into action:

Stand up in front of the couch, and get ready to tighten up all the muscles in your body, from head to toe: 

  • Tighten the muscles in your face as much as you possibly can. Clench your teeth together, wrinkle your nose, squeeze your eyelids nearly shut;
  • Tighten up your shoulders, pull in and contract your elbows;
  • Squeeze your hands into a tight fist;
  • Consciously pull in and tighten up your stomach;
  • Squeeze your backside;
  • Tense the muscles in your feet and legs up as much as you possibly can;

Squeeze everything, and hold for the count of 5!

Then release everything, sigh loudly and drop onto the couch.

Are you ready?

When you’re feeling tense you may not FEEL like doing this, but give it a try and see what it can do for you:)

When I say “go”, do all this at once, or in really quick succession. You want all your body to be as tensed up as possible. And hold it for a count of 5.

OK, ready?

(Just reading this won’t give you any relief. You have to actually do it…)

Ready?

GO!

Count for 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5!

Now let out a HUGE sigh of relief as you release everything, and flop down onto the couch🙂

Optional extras

Humour is good for your health. So to finish off, tighten up all the muscles in your face as much as you can –  and then look in the mirror. Just for a giggle!

You could even take a nice selfie and post it! #SickofIBS

a selfie antedote to feeling tense

How are you feeling now?

If you got some light relief from that quick tip, give me a heart!

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