Thank you for all of these wonderful recommendations! I am so jealous of your home reformer. I used to teach Pilates, but only have a chair at home (versatile for the space it takes).
Well, this was a very serendipitous reminder. I need to start doing that kinhin. Exercise. And thanks for all the links to the recs! I already have too many notebooks, but the rucksack looks pretty cool.
Thanks for all this, Beth! There are quite a few styles of chairs on offer with Humanscale. Would you mind sharing which one you have? (I have brain injury and can get overwhelmed by choices!). Thank you!
Thank you so much, Beth! As noted, I can get confused pretty easily with this sort of thing so wanted to double check!! And I meant to add that I'm so sorry you're having back troubles! I hope you're in a better place now! ❤️
Oh sure no problem Jane. It must be so hard ❤️FYI Diffrient looks like a typo of different but it isn’t! Highly recommend. And thank you, definitely on the mend.
I am a new paid subscriber and have been inspired to write poetry which is new to me. Any recommendations of poetry books and/or compilations for a newbie to read?
I also have an inflatable sitting mat - which I take with me to sit on uneven surfaces when I am outdoors. Makes a huge difference for my staying power in a great outdoors.
Managing chronic pain requires a shift in mindset. We often resist it or try to ignore it to get through life. But pain is simply a signal in the brain trying to protect us. When chronic pain is at play our brain has become hard wired to these signals. Only when we acknowledge pain without fear or judgement but rather with curiosity and a level of acceptance can we begin to manage it. I have experienced daily chronic pain for 10 years but only when I came to understand the brain’s role was I able to have a new mindset. I wrote about this at:
Sadly, for people like me who have, for a lifetime, managed to avoid excessive exercise, it seems the answer has turned out to be exercise 😂.
With age all the cracks turn up - osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain, wear and tear, etc.
And it turns out the gold filling for body kintsugi is regular exercise - my physio is my saviour! But I have no motivation - I am not someone who generates endorphins from exercise, so I have to book in to weekly physio pilates and weekly PT sessions.
A bit costly but have found good local people, and saves me a fortune on pain meds, probably avoided a few falls (better balance), and generally improved my overall health. It was spending the time that I begrudged, but I guess the investment - in a time sense - is worth it. 😬🤷🏼♀️🤣
Seeing the long list of things you do to help your back pain took me back to everything I used to do for my chronic neck and back pain. The body definitely has its way of getting us to stop, slow down, and listen.
Have you come across Foundation Training? It was a game changer for me. I am a yoga instructor, massage therapist, and personal trainer. Yoga and pilates and massage would all help a bit and then they’d make it worse. Foundation Training and Strength Training turned it around. The other day my back went out for the first time in 5 years which is wild! And even more wild I was able to get it back in place in 15 minutes. It used to take me down for weeks. Also, I just joined your writing sanctuary this week and I feel so inspired. My dream is to create a supportive and encouraging writing , physical and mental fitness community. What a gift to see you making that a reality 🥰
Oh Beth, I hope your back gets better soon. I know what that is like as I have had back problems all my life and am now on a doctor prescribed wellness retreat.
A few other health issues have forced me in recent years to take good care of my body.
Mostly that consists of NOT doing too much. I am very mindful of how I fill my calendar. I schedule free days in where nothing is planned. I don't do evening events during the week unless it's something really exciting or important.
I get regular massages (Thai!).
I have a grounding mat under my desk (works wonders, especially on days I cannot go outside)
I set reminders to get up and stretch. My yoga mat is always unrolled in my office at home.
Whenever I get cranky, I know something needs to be taken care off and it's usually my body.
I delegate a lot of things. I have a cleaning lady, someone to do my taxes and teenage boys I'm trying to teach to do their chores. haha
Last September I was in my best shape in a long time and had just turned 50 that summer. Suddenly I found myself injured while volunteering in the ocean with a non-profit that provides surfing experiences to young people with developmental disabilities. The pain was instant and changed everything about how I moved and functioned for months to come. I went through so many emotions (much anger to be honest) and kept coming back to two things, (1) what was it I needed to be still for? (2) how could I create space for something new? Well it has been a year and I can see those things so clearly now. I am still not my 100% like I was, however I am finding a new way to move at a new pace and in different ways. Sending light and love ❤️💫 It seems you have already identified that your ‘self’ needs you. May you continue to stumble into (not literally) … why this? … why now? Also, a friendly reminder to allow some self compassion, you did nothing wrong, you are living life and sometimes life unfolds differently than we thought or hoped it would. Be well soon!
I am so sorry to hear that you're suffering, Beth, I hope that the pain eases soon. After more than a decade dealing with chronic pain I've developed my own coping mechanisms but it's still a struggle to find the right balance with work and after my book launch I was so burnt out it's taken me months to recover. I don't want to get into a boom and bust cycle so I have to find ways of doing things differently. In case it's of help to anyone I thought I would share my toolkit too.
My at home care toolkit includes:
A hot water bottle for home
Stick on heatpacks for when you have to leave the house
I feel your back pain situation! For a couple of years I’ve experienced back issues but I’m much improved since I follow my physical therapist’s exercises that I now do daily. And that is the key … a daily routine of self care. Thank you for sharing your tips and suggestions!
Sending so much love and healing energy your way dear Beth. I just got over a week of debilitating tooth/face pain and have had that awful back pain also, mostly at times in my life when a big change is on the cards or needed to be addressed. I too, took notice this week to stop and evaluate. Wishing you a gentle recovery and that universe certainly does let us know when we need to stop and contemplate how (if at all!) we are taking care of ourselves. There is a sea change at the moment I feel.... Sending big virtual hugs your way. Your essay is a welcomed message to give ourselves the gift of time to take stock. Lots of love. xx
Thank you for all of these wonderful recommendations! I am so jealous of your home reformer. I used to teach Pilates, but only have a chair at home (versatile for the space it takes).
Well, this was a very serendipitous reminder. I need to start doing that kinhin. Exercise. And thanks for all the links to the recs! I already have too many notebooks, but the rucksack looks pretty cool.
Such great reminders.... thank you !!!
Thanks for all this, Beth! There are quite a few styles of chairs on offer with Humanscale. Would you mind sharing which one you have? (I have brain injury and can get overwhelmed by choices!). Thank you!
I have the Diffrient one that I linked to ❤️
Thank you so much, Beth! As noted, I can get confused pretty easily with this sort of thing so wanted to double check!! And I meant to add that I'm so sorry you're having back troubles! I hope you're in a better place now! ❤️
Oh sure no problem Jane. It must be so hard ❤️FYI Diffrient looks like a typo of different but it isn’t! Highly recommend. And thank you, definitely on the mend.
Thanks for this, wise words!
I am a new paid subscriber and have been inspired to write poetry which is new to me. Any recommendations of poetry books and/or compilations for a newbie to read?
I have recently bought this kneeling chair. And it has been amazing for my posture and gives me an alternative position to write from. I also use it as my meditation chair https://uk.vevor.com/ergonomic-kneeling-chair-c_10916/ergonomic-kneeling-chair-wooden-sturdy-neck-pain-relief-posture-correcting-p_010438050579?adp=gmc&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=19726371349&ad_group=&ad_id=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2ou2BhCCARIsANAwM2GpQCJ-VXsLsctIeK1MngaPhVA2qk-UvrrqhWE6Xc-DZXUNYB41ziIaApPuEALw_wcB
I also have an inflatable sitting mat - which I take with me to sit on uneven surfaces when I am outdoors. Makes a huge difference for my staying power in a great outdoors.
Oh I used to have one of those, it was great
Epsom salts for me and a good walk
Managing chronic pain requires a shift in mindset. We often resist it or try to ignore it to get through life. But pain is simply a signal in the brain trying to protect us. When chronic pain is at play our brain has become hard wired to these signals. Only when we acknowledge pain without fear or judgement but rather with curiosity and a level of acceptance can we begin to manage it. I have experienced daily chronic pain for 10 years but only when I came to understand the brain’s role was I able to have a new mindset. I wrote about this at:
https://chronicpainchats.substack.com/p/acute-pain-is-normal-chronic-pain
Thank you for your thoughts Xx
Sadly, for people like me who have, for a lifetime, managed to avoid excessive exercise, it seems the answer has turned out to be exercise 😂.
With age all the cracks turn up - osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain, wear and tear, etc.
And it turns out the gold filling for body kintsugi is regular exercise - my physio is my saviour! But I have no motivation - I am not someone who generates endorphins from exercise, so I have to book in to weekly physio pilates and weekly PT sessions.
A bit costly but have found good local people, and saves me a fortune on pain meds, probably avoided a few falls (better balance), and generally improved my overall health. It was spending the time that I begrudged, but I guess the investment - in a time sense - is worth it. 😬🤷🏼♀️🤣
Also - I hope you are feeling better asap! 🤗❤️
Seeing the long list of things you do to help your back pain took me back to everything I used to do for my chronic neck and back pain. The body definitely has its way of getting us to stop, slow down, and listen.
Have you come across Foundation Training? It was a game changer for me. I am a yoga instructor, massage therapist, and personal trainer. Yoga and pilates and massage would all help a bit and then they’d make it worse. Foundation Training and Strength Training turned it around. The other day my back went out for the first time in 5 years which is wild! And even more wild I was able to get it back in place in 15 minutes. It used to take me down for weeks. Also, I just joined your writing sanctuary this week and I feel so inspired. My dream is to create a supportive and encouraging writing , physical and mental fitness community. What a gift to see you making that a reality 🥰
Ooh that sounds interesting, will look into it. Thank you!
With appreciation as always for your writings 🎈 sending good wishes 💫
Oh Beth, I hope your back gets better soon. I know what that is like as I have had back problems all my life and am now on a doctor prescribed wellness retreat.
A few other health issues have forced me in recent years to take good care of my body.
Mostly that consists of NOT doing too much. I am very mindful of how I fill my calendar. I schedule free days in where nothing is planned. I don't do evening events during the week unless it's something really exciting or important.
I get regular massages (Thai!).
I have a grounding mat under my desk (works wonders, especially on days I cannot go outside)
I set reminders to get up and stretch. My yoga mat is always unrolled in my office at home.
Whenever I get cranky, I know something needs to be taken care off and it's usually my body.
I delegate a lot of things. I have a cleaning lady, someone to do my taxes and teenage boys I'm trying to teach to do their chores. haha
Delegation is key and something I need to get better at!
Last September I was in my best shape in a long time and had just turned 50 that summer. Suddenly I found myself injured while volunteering in the ocean with a non-profit that provides surfing experiences to young people with developmental disabilities. The pain was instant and changed everything about how I moved and functioned for months to come. I went through so many emotions (much anger to be honest) and kept coming back to two things, (1) what was it I needed to be still for? (2) how could I create space for something new? Well it has been a year and I can see those things so clearly now. I am still not my 100% like I was, however I am finding a new way to move at a new pace and in different ways. Sending light and love ❤️💫 It seems you have already identified that your ‘self’ needs you. May you continue to stumble into (not literally) … why this? … why now? Also, a friendly reminder to allow some self compassion, you did nothing wrong, you are living life and sometimes life unfolds differently than we thought or hoped it would. Be well soon!
What was it I needed to be still for? <- 💥
I am so sorry to hear that you're suffering, Beth, I hope that the pain eases soon. After more than a decade dealing with chronic pain I've developed my own coping mechanisms but it's still a struggle to find the right balance with work and after my book launch I was so burnt out it's taken me months to recover. I don't want to get into a boom and bust cycle so I have to find ways of doing things differently. In case it's of help to anyone I thought I would share my toolkit too.
My at home care toolkit includes:
A hot water bottle for home
Stick on heatpacks for when you have to leave the house
Cool packs from the freezer
CBD drops for pain
Ginger sweets for nausea
Seating wedges for back support
Tiger balm and/or deep heat
Gallons of green tea
Noise cancelling headphones
A weighted blanket
Magnesium flakes for the bath
I feel your back pain situation! For a couple of years I’ve experienced back issues but I’m much improved since I follow my physical therapist’s exercises that I now do daily. And that is the key … a daily routine of self care. Thank you for sharing your tips and suggestions!
Thank you Nina Xx
Sending so much love and healing energy your way dear Beth. I just got over a week of debilitating tooth/face pain and have had that awful back pain also, mostly at times in my life when a big change is on the cards or needed to be addressed. I too, took notice this week to stop and evaluate. Wishing you a gentle recovery and that universe certainly does let us know when we need to stop and contemplate how (if at all!) we are taking care of ourselves. There is a sea change at the moment I feel.... Sending big virtual hugs your way. Your essay is a welcomed message to give ourselves the gift of time to take stock. Lots of love. xx
Oh Louise I had no idea. That sounds awful. Hope you are feeling better? And could not agree more about the sea change Xx