One of the first steps to recovering from IBS is reducing the amount of tension you are carrying around. Here are a few quick ways to release IBS tension which are particularly useful when you’re feeling tense.
Cats do this really well
A really quick and simple technique for IBS tension release is getting in the habit of stretching.
It is something that doctors do not tend to mention. Yet it is a valuable way of letting tension out of the body that most people have forgotten.
Even cats do it!
We are all so consumed with what’s on our plate for the day ahead, that we completely forget that our body needs a hand.
And if you have IBS, the chances are that you have quite a lot of tension in your body that you may not even be aware of.
No need to invest in expensive equipment or going to the gym for this. Here are some habits that don’t take up much time, and will instantaneously release some tension. And leave you feeling more relaxed!
Release IBS tension with the stretching habit
This isn’t new. It’s not rocket science. But are you doing it?
The best time to do this is before getting out of bed in the morning, while you’re still nice and warm under the covers. Just take a few seconds to stretch your legs, raising them slightly, and then your arms. And let out a big “aaaaah” sigh.
Then, as you roll over, sit on the side of the bed and gently arch your back backwards, pushing your shoulders back a little.
As you stand up put your hands in the air and reach as high as you can on tiptoe for a few seconds.
And at night, when you’re ready for bed, stretch up on tiptoes again reaching high into the air with your hands.
That’s all it takes.
If you do this every day it will help you release some of the heavy energy that you may be carrying around in your body. Energy that gets stuck often in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Please note that this stretching should feel comfortable. Never force yourself. If you do come across any painful joints, then giving them a very gentle massage in a circular motion will be of more benefit. Until they become less tense and more supple.
If you suffer from IBS back pain, this exercise could be really useful too.
A Qigong routine to release tension
This is a great routine to try out at home this weekend when you have 10 minutes, and includes a sequence of different really easy stretches in it.
There’s even a timer on it so you can just follow along. And if there’s anything in it you don’t like, or find too difficult, then don’t do it.
It’s simple but surprisingly effective.
And you can even do it in your pyjamas:)
Evening tension release
One place we tend to hold tension is in our ankles and our feet – especially the heels and arches. This is not a place most people think of stretching.
In front of the TV, during the ads, see if you can gently stretch your feet by pushing out the heel of one foot. Then do the same, but turning the foot a little to one side. And then the other. Then change foot. Chances are that you will notice the positions that feel best.
Yawning to release tension
Another great way to release IBS tension is yawning. Yawning stretches all your facial muscles, releasing muscle tension in your face, cheeks and brow.
Yet we tend to hide yawns. Minimize them and cover them up. When in fact they do us a lot of good!
So have a big yawn before bed – and enjoy it.
If you want to adopt other habits that will help release tension in your mind, you might like this article.