Simple Joys: The key to making it through tough times
It’s the simple joys that have gotten me through my fair share of extreme physical pain and frequent bouts of isolation. Along with an unusual amount of optimism, relying on a list of easy things that I can do almost anywhere and that can brighten my mood or atleast soften the aftermath of a dystonic storm has made all the difference.
Have a cup of tea
First up on my list is a good ole cup of tea. I’ve loved tea since I was a little girl. It’s probably because I have fond memories of my dad drinking tea and as I grew up I found it could be both energizing and relaxing. On days when I’m not feeling so great, making a cup of tea always feels good. Even though I love a beautiful loose tea blend, the satchel from the boxes of tea I get at the grocery store suits me just fine. I usually have at least one box of tea in the pantry and my favorites are peppermint, earl grey and english breakfast. It always feels like a bonus when I get the Yogi tea with the incredible messages. This morning I had Honey Lavender and the message was “Your actions prove your greatness”. A cup of tea always provides a moment for me to be pause, be present and smile.
Listen to music
I’m no scientist or doctor but I know for a fact that music therapy works. Well, there was that time I went to a workshop on healing frequencies but that’s all I’ve got. There are times when certain types of music push my symptoms into overdrive causing the sharpest splitting sensation in my calf muscles and there are times when it completely calms me down. When it comes to managing my dystonia, I listened to the same song by Childish Gambino on repeat for well over 5 years before building out my very own Calm Down playlist. There was something about the arrangement that helped me to relax and focus on my breath and not be overwhelmed by the pain. Music is a huge part of every day for me. I use it to start my day and at different times throughout the day to shift my energy. I love having my favorite tracks saved in a playlist so I never have to fumble around. Bluer skies and better moods are always just one play away.
Take a warm bath
A warm bath is a simple joy I incorporate into as many days as I can. When I still worked my corporate job, I’d take a bath each morning. I had to get up a little earlier to make that happen but it was so worth it. Soaking in the warm water gave me a chance to start my day with ease and offered relief to my stiff and achy muscles. Adding epsom salts and Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath is one of the best parts because it always takes the experience to the next level. On days when I’m not feeling so great, a warm bath relaxes my muscles and my mind.
Watch something funny
I remember reading that it is impossible for the human brain to process two distinctly different emotions or sensations at the exact same time. I don’t know how true that is but I started planning out my doses of funny like they were prescribed. I would put funny movies or cartoons I wanted to watch on my streaming watchlist so I’d have them ready to go when I needed a good laugh. I also enjoy standup but cartoons and family comedy tends to be my go to when I’m having a hard time. It’s the lighthearted, uncomplicated and silly storylines and mishaps that do it for me and I laugh out loud almost every time.
Living with dystonia is full of ups and downs and the most difficult times may border on beyond what words can describe. Making a list of things that are accessible and inexpensive that make me feel a little better has been a game changer. Granted, I know what I like and don’t like but at times when I simply don’t have the energy to think of entirely new solutions, having my go to list of simply joys has been a welcome resource. I keep it in the notes on my phone and have even shared it with those closest to me, just in case I need a little help. What are some of your simply joys?