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7 Strategies for Soothing Aches and Pains During the Pandemic

Filed Under: Contemplative Practices By Beth Godbee April 28, 2020 Leave a Comment

It’s been weeks since I’ve had acupuncture, and old aches and pains are now resurfacing during the pandemic.

In this week’s session of “Processing the Pandemic with Heart-Head-Hands,” I realized I wasn’t alone in having these sensations. Our conversation turned to shared back pains and how we’re supporting our bodies while staying at home and missing bodywork.

Because many of us are dealing with similar questions of how to soothe aches and pains, I’m sharing what’s supporting me now. I link to past blog posts, which provide explanation and resources.

1. Using this “self-parenting checklist” to remember must-haves on a daily basis.

This image shows the Word document "Parenting Myself Right Now ... Spring 2020" that can be downloaded and modified for use. This black-and-white checklist shows characteristics of self-parenting next to days of the weeks, where checks can be added for tracking daily behaviors.

PDF: Parenting Myself Right Now … Apr.2020
DOC: Parenting Myself Right Now … Apr.2020

I recently updated this self-parenting checklist, modified from “Parenting Myself 101,” as a way to plan and prioritize daily care. Feel free to download and create your own checklist for daily reminders.

2. Prioritizing this gentle yoga practice (entirely on the floor, with slow movement and meditation).

This “Gentle Yoga Practice for Healing” is my favorite for calming nerves. Somehow my body always feels better after taking the time (~25 minutes) to do it.

3. Using heat throughout the day, especially when sitting.

A wooden chair I use for writing with support cushions (a wedge and lumbar roll), heating pad, and hot water bottle: all in shades of blue (blue being associated with the 5th chakra and communication).

“Today Healing Looks Like …” sitting and lying (curling up) with both a heating pad and hot water bottle for many hours: both during the day and at bedtime—and often with castor oil on my belly and low back. And taking warm Epsom salt baths, too.

4. Adding essential oils to Epsom salt baths and on the body.

Against a blue background are 3 bottles of essential oils—from left to right: tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus—all the same size (1 fl. oz.).

This “Minimalist Guide to Essential Oils” gives an overview of why and how I use essential oils, including to boost moods, aid digestion, and breathe more deeply.

5. Drinking herbal teas, especially chamomile and peppermint blends.

View into blue and white patterned mug with wellness tonic on the inside and tea label “Traditional Medicinals” on the outside.

Along with drinking vegetable broth and being more mindful about my eating, I’m relying on warm teas, including this “Wellness Tonic.” I know that my digestion is related to my emotions and physical aches and pains, and warm teas seem to steady the whole digestive process.

6. Doing this short yoga sequence for releasing neck and shoulder tension.

My neck and shoulders feel better after doing this short practice (~7 minutes of movement, all while seated). Truly, it’s “Gentle Yoga for Releasing Burdens,” and I’m needing to release a LOT these days.

7. Remembering remedies that relieve pain and soothe the body, including use of a foam roller, castor oil, homeopathic balms, TENS unit, cupping set, and Reiki.

My practice space: yoga mats, blocks, and foam roller.

“My Journey with Back Pain” has taught me that many healing modalities work well together and can be combined.

During this time of increased stress and strain, I’m getting creative with what’s possible. This means doing less and spending more time soaking in magnesium-rich bathwater. Doing less and “talking with my body” through guided meditation. Doing less and getting curious about what my body is signaling—and why.

I hope some of these strategies may be supportive for you, too. And I repeat the mantra that’s comforting me now: “May I care for myself with joy and ease.”

—
This post is written by
Beth Godbee, Ph.D. for Heart-Head-Hands.com. For related posts, you might try “Heart-Head-Hands: A Journal Prompt for These Times” and “My Journey with Back Pain.”

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Tagged with: disruption, embodiment, emotional literacies, grief, habits, healing, learning, mantras, meditation, mindful eating, pain, resilience, resources, self-care, yoga

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About Beth Godbee

I'm an educator and former writing studies professor who believes our fully embodied selves matter in the world. We can’t just think our way out of the incredible injustices, dehumanization, violence, and wrongdoing that characterize everyday life. We must feel and act, too. [Pronouns: she/her.] Read more ...

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