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7 REASONS WHY RUNNING A HOT BATH IS LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR…

We all have busy lifestyles now and the majority of us tend to jump in the shower first in the morning and having a bath is at the bottom of your list. When was the last time you enjoyed a good soak in the bath? I am ashamed to say it’s years for me as I love my shower but when I move house I am going to change all that.

Here are 4 reasons why running a hot bath for yourself could make you feel more relaxed and calmer, just like a breath of fresh air.

  1. It will help you to wind down before you go to sleep. They reckon that a warm bath an hour before you go to help will help you go to sleep and Epsom salt and lavender oil (five drops) will help you along your way.
  2. A quick bath can totally transform you by adding just a few drops of bath oils to soften your skin, lie with a face sheet mask warmed up in the water across your face and pop a mask on your hair. After a short while when you remove your mask from your hair and face your face and body will feel transformed.
  3. Soothe your dry skin by adding a handful of oats to your bath with a spoonful of raw honey as they are great at hydrating your skin. They say don’t soak for longer than 20 minutes and use a soap-free body wash to finish and a fragrance-free moisturiser.
  4. A bath can not only help you wind down but it can also help to pep your mood up, it’s what you add to the water that makes all the difference. Uplifting grapefruit essential oils wakes up the senses. Mix eight to 10 drops with a few tablespoons of almond oil to ensure it disperses into the water. Remember to not have your water too hot as this will make you sleepy.
  5. Being immersed in water past your chest with your head out can have a good influence on your lung capacity and oxygen intake. There are two factors that contribute to this; the temperature of the water and the pressure the water places on your chest and lungs. When the water is warmer and your heart is beating faster, your oxygen intake can be improved and the steam created can clear your sinuses and chest. 
  6. Warm baths improve mental and emotional health. Candlelight, soothing music and sweet smells: Done right, a bath can be the ultimate in self-care. They also create a good environment for meditation, thought and escape from everyday stressors.
  7. According to dermatologists, taking baths can reduce ageing and adult acne.

Source: Lifehack, Cleveland Clinic, Little Things, Neals Yards Remedies, Seoulista Beauty

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FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS MONTH AND WORLD FIBROMYALGIA DAY MAY 12th #SupportFibro…

World Fibromyalgia Awareness Day May 12th and Fibromyalgia Awareness Month May 1st-30th – May is the month we all come together to educate and raise awareness about Fibromyalgia with friends and family, at work, and in our neighbourhoods.

Take part to share the facts, and make a difference for all those impacted by Fibromyalgia, #SupportFibro. Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is May 12th and World Lupus Day is May 10th. Get ready to turn the month of May purple!

Fibromyalgia has many symptoms that tend to vary from person to person, and the NHS describe some of the awful symptoms.

There may be periods when your symptoms get better or worse, depending on factors such as:

  • your stress levels
  • changes in the weather
  • how physically active you are

If you think you have fibromyalgia, visit your GP.

Treatment is available to ease some of the symptoms, although it’s unlikely they’ll ever disappear completely.

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are outlined below.

Widespread pain

If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain.

This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck.

The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.

The pain could feel like:

  • an ache
  • a burning sensation
  • a sharp, stabbing pain

Extreme sensitivity

Fibromyalgia can make you extremely sensitive to pain all over your body, and you may find that even the slightest touch is painful.

If you hurt yourself, such as stubbing your toe, the pain may continue for much longer than it normally would.

You may hear the condition described in the following medical terms:

  • hyperalgesia – when you’re extremely sensitive to pain
  • allodynia – when you feel pain from something that should not be painful at all, such as a very light touch

You may also be sensitive to things like smoke, certain foods and bright lights.

Being exposed to something you’re sensitive to can cause your other fibromyalgia symptoms to flare up.

Stiffness

Fibromyalgia can make you feel stiff. The stiffness may be most severe when you have been in the same position for a long period of time – for example, when you first wake up in the morning.

It can also cause your muscles to spasm, which is when they contract (squeeze) tightly and painfully.

Fatigue

Fibromyalgia can cause extreme tiredness (fatigue). This can range from a mild tired feeling to the exhaustion often experienced during a flu-like illness.

Severe fatigue may come on suddenly and can drain you of all your energy. If this happens, you may feel too tired to do anything at all.

Poor sleep quality

Fibromyalgia can affect your sleep. You may often wake up tired, even when you have had plenty of sleep.

This is because the condition can sometimes prevent you sleeping deeply enough to refresh you properly.

You may hear this described as non-restorative sleep.

Cognitive problems (‘fibro-fog’)

Cognitive problems are issues related to mental processes, such as thinking and learning.

If you have fibromyalgia, you may have:

  • trouble remembering and learning new things
  • problems with attention and concentration
  • slowed or confused speech

Headaches

If fibromyalgia has caused you to experience pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders, you may also have frequent headaches.

These can vary from being mild headaches to severe migraines, and could also involve other symptoms, such as feeling sick.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Some people with fibromyalgia also develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

IBS is a common digestive condition that causes pain and bloating in your stomach. It can also lead to constipation or diarrhoea.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms that people with fibromyalgia sometimes experience include:

Depression

In some cases, having the condition can lead to depression.

This is because fibromyalgia can be difficult to deal with, and low levels of certain hormones associated with the condition can make you prone to developing depression.

Depression can cause many symptoms, including:

  • constantly feeling low
  • feeling hopeless and helpless
  • losing interest in the things you usually enjoy

If you think you may be depressed, it’s important to get help from a GP or your fibromyalgia healthcare professional, if you have been seeing one.

Here are some great tips for newly diagnosed Fibromyalgia sufferers from fellow sufferers.

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Do You Share Your Blog with Mental Health Treatment Providers?

Sharing my blog with treatment providers came up for me for the first time recently during my inpatient hospital stay. The fact that I had a blog …

Do You Share Your Blog with Mental Health Treatment Providers?