Many people enjoy massage as a way of relaxing and calming their minds. As massage is not possible in the current conditions , it is worth bearing in mind that there are ways to help you to relax and unwind. Here is an example of a relaxation method to help you cope with some of the stress you may be experiencing. I do hope it helps in some way Planned relaxation calms anxiety and helps your body and mind recover from everyday rush and stress. Music, a long soak in the bath, or a walk in the park do the trick for some people, but for others it’s not so easy. If you feel you need help with learning to relax, try a relaxation or meditation class. Your GP and local library will have information about these. Choose a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Before you start, do a few gentle stretching exercises to relieve muscular tension. Make yourself comfortable, either sitting or lying down. Start to breathe slowly and deeply, in a calm and effortless way. Gently tense, then relax, each part of your body, starting with your feet and working your way up to your face and head. As you focus on each area, think of warmth, heaviness and relaxation. Push any distracting thoughts to the back of your mind; imagine them floating away. Don’t try to relax; simply let go of the tension in your muscles and allow them to become relaxed. Let your mind go empty. Some people find it helpful to visualise a calm, beautiful place such as a garden or meadow. Stay like this for about 20 minutes, then take some deep breaths and open your eyes, but stay sitting or lying for a few moments before you get

During these difficult and uncertain times, it is good to take a step back and think of how we can look after ourselves both physically and mentally. Obviously, massage is not possible at the moment, but we can take steps to cushion ourselves from the resulting feelings we experience while in lockdown Social distancing has a variety of effects on different people. The loss of physical touch can be distressing for some, isolation can have a negative effect on others and the unknown future affects us all One idea I have seen is , during the day when you are thinking of the things you would like to do but are unable to owing to the situation, write each one down on small piece of paper as you think of ideas and put each one in a jar or box. Adding to it as and when you think of something. Be it visiting a friend, or a trip to the coast or even a small party with family. When this turbulence has passed, take one of the pieces of paper out of the jar or box and plan to enact it. This gives a sense of purpose and a vision of the future which will help us through these dark times Give it a try. It certainly gives you something to hold on to and look forward to ( I will not take credit for thinking this up but felt it was a good way to plan for the future and worth sharing)