pampering Archives

After Mum and I enjoyed a spa break for my 30th birthday, we decided that whenever we had time, we would book a spa day for us both. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we have been unable to enjoy a spa day together for almost a year. But with my impending birthday, we thought that it was time for some much-needed R and R.

Excitement and anticipation soon start after phoning our local spa, for a day pass. The pass includes one of their luxurious treatments and a heap of other benefits. Benefits which include full use of the spa and leisure facilities, two-course lunch buffet and complimentary towel, robe and slippers.

towel-759980_960_720 — A spa day is a lovely and relaxing treat for anybody, but especially those with a chronic illness

A relaxing spa day is a sublime treat for both myself and the person with whom I’m going. And provides something to look forward to beyond the daily life of managing unpleasant symptoms like chronic pain.

A spa day is something to look forward to beyond the daily life of managing unpleasant symptoms like chronic pain. Click To Tweet

However, not only is a spa day something lovely to look forward to. But as someone living with chronic illness, I have found that I benefit immensely from it.

And I think a spa day would be beneficial for those living with chronic illness; and here are some of the reasons why:

A SPA DAY ALLOWS YOU TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH LOVED ONES

Before my symptoms became disabling, my Mum and I loved nothing better than to travel to Cardiff. To spend the day together for some retail therapy, and perhaps even take the opportunity to eat out.

However, now as my mobility has worsened, my legs so weak that they give way easily and with no warning. These days out together are no longer possible, not only because of the debilitating physical symptoms but also due to energy limitations. I just don’t have the energy to do these type of high-energy activities anymore. Not without paying a hefty price afterwards. Punishments such as a significant increase in the severity of the symptoms I already have to endure.

Like many of us living with chronic illness, it means that I often have to miss out on social gatherings. Something that is one of the most upsetting and frustrating things about living with a long-term health condition. However, a spa day allows you to spend quality time with a friend or loved one. One that is thoroughly relaxing and low-energy, perfect for those of us with chronic illness

A spa day is thoroughly relaxing and low-energy, perfect for those of us with chronic illness. Click To Tweet

SPA DAY: BEING ABLE TO UNWIND, DESTRESS AND INDULGE IN SELF-CARE

Like many others living with chronic illness, the condition and its constant and unrelenting symptoms cause me stress. And never more so when I am experiencing a severe flare, much as I have done recently. By going on a spa day, however, gave me the opportunity to escape the day-to-day stresses of living with chronic illness. Providing an opportunity to unwind and relax. As all of us are aware, stress can often exacerbate our symptoms; by going on a spa day, it allows you the opportunity to focus on you and your needs.

A photo of the Relaxation Zone at the Vale Spa in South Wales

Like osmosis, the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the spa itself seeps into my body making me calm and relaxed despite any pain or discomfort I’m experiencing. Hell, I become so relaxed that I end up catching on any missed sleep in one of the Relaxation Zones. Bliss!

By going on a spa day, it allows you the opportunity to focus on you and your needs Click To Tweet

THE TREATMENTS ON OFFER ON A SPA DAY CAN HELP REDUCE CHRONIC PAIN

There are a variety of treatments and massages on offer in spas like the one I frequent. For those who can tolerate touch, as some suffering from allodynia would not benefit from such treatments. One of my favourite treatments is the aromatherapy massage. But a hot stone massage may also be beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain. Research has found that the therapy eases muscle stiffness, increases circulation and metabolism. It also increases blood flow throughout the body as the hot stones help to expand blood vessels.

Furthermore, massages have also been found to release the same ‘feel-good’ endorphins that you get from working out. The release of endorphins acts as a natural pain reliever. The more your body produces these endorphins, the quicker it learns how to release them. Therefore, regular massage therapy helps to stop the buildup of toxic blockages that hinder the flow of oxygen around the body causing pain and inflammation and to also help the body’s response to it.

An aromatherapy massage as well as having the same benefits as listed above is also said to ease headaches, improve sleeping problems, lowers feeling of anxiety and improves mood. The practitioner can tailor the aromatherapy oils depending on you and your symptoms. During a previous massage, peppermint oil was used on my body, including my stomach. I found that this really helped ease nausea I experience as a side effect of the medications that I take.

I also love having a facial, which is just as relaxing as any of the other treatments already mentioned. Afterwards, my skin is glowing making me look healthy and radiant. A natural healthy glow instead of the pale and unhealthy complexion which has become my norm. And when I look good, I also feel good.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE OTHER FACILITIES ON OFFER

As well as delivering ultimate pampering treatments, most spas also have jacuzzis, saunas, and steam rooms to use during your stay. Jacuzzi’s are excellent for those like myself who suffer from neurological conditions. The warm water decreases joint stiffness, normalises muscle tone, as well as promoting muscle relaxation all helping to relieve pain. I love spending time in the spa’s jacuzzi, and feel relaxed and rejuvenated doing so. And experiencing a reduction in the amount of pain I am experiencing. I find it so beneficial that it’s difficult getting me out of there!

jacuzzi-whirlpool-spa — There are plenty of benefits for using jacuzzi’s and steam room, both popular in spa resorts

There are also many benefits of using saunas and steam rooms. Saunas, for example, are great for detox, as sweating is one of the best ways to remove toxins from the body.

Saunas and steam rooms are although not suitable if suffering from heat intolerance which many suffering from neurological conditions do. However, even a few minutes in the steam room or sauna can be beneficial. In addition to detoxing, they may also help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Furthermore, it’s important to reiterate that spending time in hot water and facilities such and saunas and steam rooms can be as good as exercise. Great news for those who find exercise difficult because of their condition. But it is still important to pace yourself especially for those who struggle with fatigue. Also, if you have a high blood pressure than you need to consult a medical professional as it may be unsuitable.

A SPA DAY: NO PRESSURES AND A DAY OF NORMALITY

We all have pressures in our lives whether it comes from work, family, or friends. When living with chronic illness, we may often feel pressure to do things that we might not feel physically able to do, others not understanding why we can’t because we look healthy on the outside. Them not understanding how we can still be in pain, or feel so fatigued.

A significant advantage of a spa day is that there are no pressures from others or any need to places any burden on ourselves to do this or that because we feel we should be doing something than resting and looking ourselves. On these days, there is nothing to do but care for ourselves, listen to our bodies and instead do what we need to for us. A day not continually checking social media, and worrying about what is going on around us. A day just for us.

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A DAY IN WHICH THE LIMITATIONS OF CHRONIC ILLNESS DO NOT DEFINE ME

At the spa, I feel completely safe and at ease in the environment, which is not always the case because of my neurological condition. But there, I can take everything at my own pace, even being left alone in one of the relaxation areas while my companion goes to another part to do what they want. It’s, in fact, a spa day is one in which I almost feel ‘normal,’ a day which I am not defined by the limitations of my condition. A day with no ‘I can’t’ and being stopped by the symptoms that I endure because of said condition. All there is to do is lie back, relax and enjoy!

…I almost feel 'normal, a day which I am not defined by the limitations of my condition. Click To Tweet

There are just a few of the many reasons why a spa day can benefit for those living with chronic illness. I always come away feeling tired, but still incredibly relaxed, happy and even in less pain.

pexels-photo-67442 — My local spa has become a ‘happy place’ to me

I definitely feel and enjoy the benefits of a spa day and would recommend it to anyone. Plus, it provides a fun and relaxed day out. One that I can actually enjoy and feel comfortable in my surroundings, and allows me time to spend with Mum away from home. I cannot wait until our next day whenever that will be!

Have you tried a spa day? What did you think?

Let me know in the comment box below or let me know via social media!

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Welcome to the Health Activist Writer’s Month Challenge brought together by WEGO Health – a social network for all health activists. Again, I am participating in the annual Writer’s Month Challenge in which I will be writing about my health activism and health condition based upon given prompts.

Sunday 12th April: Day of Rest

Kick your feet up! What is your ideal day in? When you’re having a bad day, or a long week – how do you relax, recharge, and reset yourself?

Self-care can be defined as the process of maintaining health and managing chronic illness through health promoting practices and self-management. It could also be defined as coping strategies during relapses or flares of symptoms. Self-management are behaviours that are performed in response to signs and symptoms of illness.

When living with a chronic illness, therefore it is important to embed self-care and self-management practices into one’s routine. Perhaps one important aspect of self-care is having a day of rest on days in which symptoms are particularly bad, or even days following a relapse to allow the body rest and recuperation, and a chance to regain depleted energy levels.

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Recently, the symptoms associated with my neurological condition such as pain, dizziness and the trembling and weakness in the legs have been debilitating; often finding they become worse days after trips out with my carer. As a result, I have been in need of days of rest myself, so this post should come easy!

These are some of my top tips for activities to put into place on those bad days, or just for when you need to relax, recharge or recuperate from life with chronic illness:

Date with Netflix (other streaming service are available!) or DVD: When I am having a bad day, or in need of a quiet or relaxing day, then watching a film is one of my favourite ways to spend my time, especially for someone who is somewhat of a film buff. In particularly I love romantic dramas or even a good romantic comedy. Nicholas Sparks adaptations, such as Safe Haven, The Best of Me and The Notebook are amongst my favourite films to watch when having a bad day. Or, the need of a quiet and relaxing day is a perfect opportunity to discover new films to enjoy
Art Therapy: The pain that I experience in my legs has been really bad of late. So bad that it is hard to concentrate or think about anything else. A while back, however I remembered an article that I read that discussed the new craze and resurgence of colouring books for adults. In the article it suggested that the art of colouring-in is very beneficial for relaxing and beating stress and anxiety. Colouring allows a person to concentrate and escape from their thoughts and daily life in a similar way that mindfulness does. At the same time, I seen advertising for a new magazine called Art Therapy, which has pages of different patterns and designs for users to colour-in, also including pages dedicated to insights regarding to mindfulness and relaxation. Basically the magazine allows for quality time with yourself. I subscribed almost straight away and after receiving the first issue, I have been colouring during my days of rest and has found it has been a great technique to distract myself from the pain. It’s also really fun!
Pampering!: Nothing like a bit of pampering to relax and give yourself some self-love. If I am feeling down or had a bad week, then I love nothing better than to use one of my luxurious nail kits and paint my nails. Whilst Mum and I were in Bath, and my pain was bad, she went into the local Lush store and bought me a Massage Bar which includes an oil which has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain. A great way to give yourself a little pampering and lift your mood at the same time!
Create a happy and relaxing playlist: Music has been shown to have a positive effect on mood and well-being. And I love music and have songs on my iPod that triggers a special memory or instantly makes me smile. So, why not create a playlist of happy and uplifting songs to put on your MP3 player for when you need a pick me-up, or relaxing and chilled music for the times you need to unwind and recharge.
Create a Comfort Box: I have written about the concept of a comfort box in previous posts. But simply, a comfort box is a box that you can fill with things that brings you comfort, joy and relaxation. Ideas to put in a comfort box include craft kits, pictures of happy times, favourite books, films or television boxsets. Other examples include scented candles, favourite snacks or even a journal. The comfort box can even be placed under or near your bed so that it can even be of use when stuck in bed due to chronic illness.
Example of a Comfort Box
Spend time stroking your pet: Take time stroking a pet (if you have one) as research has found that doing so can lower your blood pressure, helps the body release a relaxation hormone, and even helps cut down levels of a stress hormone. And it has beneficial effects for the animal too!