Creative Stress Release for Fibromyalgia
Sue Ingebretson, Author
Front-page news tells us there’s stress overload in the world around us. The symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic illness remind us of this daily. But did you know that the effects of stress can be monitored and even minimized?
Yes, stress doesn’t have to impact our central nervous system like a runaway train.
The Impact of Chronic Stress
No matter the source of the stress, the consequences can be obvious. When the body reacts over and over to surrounding circumstances and events, the effects compound over time. Chronic stress may show up as[1] --
· Headaches
· Insomnia
· High blood sugar
· High blood pressure
· Digestive imbalances
· Increased heartrate
· Hormonal problems
Sources of stress may come from both external and internal exposures. External exposures may include your environment, circumstances, events, and relationships. Internal exposures may include symptoms that stem from impaired gut health, hormonal dysfunction, nervous system dysregulation, toxin exposure and more.
So, what’s the antidote?
Bring on Rest and Relaxation!
Because chronic stress automatically triggers the sympathetic nervous system response (aka the Stress Response), it’s imperative to take action and enlist an equal and opposing response. One that can act as an autonomic nervous system reset.
It’s time to tap into the power of the parasympathetic nervous system response – also known as the REST and RELAXATION response. This can be achieved through prayer, meditation, deep breathing, connecting with nature, and getting lost in music, art, crafting, and even coloring for fun.
The whole-body benefits of crafty endeavors
may run deeper than you think.
Here are some surprising benefits, for example, of getting lost in the art of coloring mandalas[2] –
1) Focusing on the present moment can calm the brain (coloring is a simple, fun, and creative way to achieve this sometimes challenging undertaking)
2) Getting away from technology (the tactile feel of pens, pencils, paints, paper, stimulate the brain in ways different from phones, tablets, computer keyboards, etc.)
3) Creative talent isn’t necessary (thank goodness!)
4) Has the potential to lower stress and anxiety
5) It’s a portable, accessible, and typically low-cost activity to invest in
6) Negative thoughts are minimized as there’s a shift in focus to positive words and phrases (more on this below)
Why My Activity Book is Different
I’ve always loved coloring books. I loved them as a child and loved to color in them with my own children and grandchildren. Later, I even purchased crayons and coloring books to give as gifts to my clients. I wanted to share the soothing benefits with others.
But, I noticed that the content was lacking.
I couldn’t find the type of coloring books that I wanted. I searched for ones with beautiful designs and positive messages. I know how the nonconscious mind works -- what we see, hear, focus on and spend time with matters. So, I created my own.
My activity book, Chronic Coloring: Stress-Relieving Coloring Pages and Activities to Encourage Healing from Chronic Illness and Inspire Rebuilding Wellness, is filled with pretty mandalas and positive words and phrases. It includes fun activity word-search puzzles that feature healthy and healing topics such as self-care, positivity, healthy foods, and more.
As you work through the pages of Chronic Coloring, you’ll not only benefit from the practice of coloring and doing puzzles, you’ll benefit from the exposure to the encouraging content and the powerfully healing messages.
Want to Give it a Go?
I’d like to offer the healing benefits of this soothing and fun activity in an unprecedented way. When I pitched the idea of sharing a coloring page in the Fibromyalgia Magazine, the notion was met with a few questions and an air of optimism.
What a great example of how to view potential healing methods!
When it comes to our own health, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan. It takes a variety of practices to create a healthier future for ourselves and a willingness to experiment and try new things. The door to a world of options opens wide.
Enjoy this free coloring page sample.
Get out your crayons, markers, pens, or paints and give yourself the gift of creative relaxation for an afternoon.
Here are a few tips on using this sample coloring page: If you’re reading this article in a digital format, you have permission to print off the following page for yourself to enjoy. If you’re reading this in printed format, it’s advisable to make a photocopy of the following page to use and color.
------------
Sue Ingebretson (www.RebuildingWellness.com) is a bestselling author and a much sought-after symptom-relief expert in the chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune communities. Known for getting to the root of health challenges, her methods deliver long-term results using a light-hearted approach without quick-fix remedies that only mask symptoms.
Her #1 Amazon chronic illness books, FibroWHYalgia and Get Back into Whack, detail her personal journey and strategies to shift from chronic illness to chronic wellness.
Download your free Restoration Trio handout today and discover the healing benefits in store for you! What areas of healing need your focus the most? ( https://rebuildingwellness.lpages.co/restoration-trio-handout-leadpage/)
[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body#2
[2] https://www.colorit.com/blogs/news/85320388-amazing-benefits-of-coloring-for-adults