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Relaxation
Relaxation techniques can help you to balance the demands of managing pulmonary fibrosis, while trying to live life to the fullest
People with pulmonary fibrosis can often become stressed. However, there are ways to manage this stress and relax your body and mind.
Your treatment team may discuss different relaxation techniques with you to manage the emotional demands of living with pulmonary fibrosis. These techniques can help improve your mood and sense of wellbeing.
Using relaxation techniques1
Practicing relaxation techniques can have many benefits, such as:
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Slowing heart rate
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Slowing breathing rate
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Improving digestion
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Improved concentration and mood
Most relaxation exercises are safe for most people. However, just like with exercise routines, people with pulmonary fibrosis should discuss the relaxation techniques with their treatment team before commencing a program.
Simple relaxation exercises for managing pulmonary fibrosis
When you feel physically and emotionally relaxed, your muscles are relaxed too. This means that your muscles need less oxygen and your breathing may become more settled.
There are many different relaxation techniques which you can try. Below are two simple relaxation exercises to help both your mind and body.
Do you have 60 seconds to spare?
Sit down
Sit down in a comfortable chair
Breathe in deeply
Take a few slow, deep breaths and quietly say to yourself, “I am” as you breathe in
Breathe out
Then say, “at peace” as you breathe out
Repeat
Repeat this slowly 2 or 3 times. You should start to feel your body relax into the support of the chair
Do you have 2 minutes to spare?
Sit down
Sit down in a comfortable chair
Breathe in
To begin, breathe in deeply saying, “10” to yourself
Breathe out
Then breathe out slowly
Count down
On your next breath, say “9,” and continue counting down to “0“. When you reach “0,“ you should feel more relaxed
Your mental wellbeing
Breathing exercises
Key takeaways
Stress and worry are common when living with the demands of pulmonary fibrosis
Your treatment team can advise you on how to deal with your stress
There are techniques to help you relax that are safe and effective
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Mayo Clinic. Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368/ [Accessed March 2022].
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