Experiencing muscle tension can be a real hindrance, especially during menopause, a time when you are dealing with many other symptoms due to hormonal imbalance. These symptoms can contribute to muscle tension, which can be triggered by anxiety. Fortunately, there are things you can do to alleviate muscle tension.
Relaxing
Because muscle tension is predominantly caused by anxiety, the best way to relieve it is by relaxing. Try to take time to spend alone, even if just for half an hour. This will allow you to remove yourself from the bustle and stresses of everyday life, providing you with time to sit back and relax your mind, and as a result, relax your tense muscles as well.
Exercising
Though it might be the last thing you feel like doing when suffering from muscle tension, regular physical activity can work wonders on muscle tension. Try to avoid high impact exercises by opting for yoga, swimming, or walking instead. Exercise will not only contribute towards eliminating stress, but will also loosen your muscles.
Hot Baths
Heat from a hot bath can help relax muscles. Hot compresses work as well, but a long soak in the bath can be even more beneficial. Read a book or listen to your favorite music to get rid of stress and anxiety, which will provide further relief from muscle tension.
Breathing Deeply
When life is stressful, breathe deeply several times and slowly count to ten. Deep breaths can help you relax and remove yourself from the source of stress, and they will also stimulate the circulation of oxygen through your body, contributing towards curing muscle tension.
Massage
One of the best and most professional ways to seek a cure for muscle tension is to visit a masseuse. However, you can use oils to massage a tense muscle yourself in the comfort of your own home. Massage improves blood circulation and can aid in the removal of accumulated toxins, helping to relieve muscle pain.
Ice Pack
Applying ice to tense muscles can reduce inflammation. Try placing an ice pack onto the sore muscle for 20 minutes or so every few hours to help towards curing muscle tension and finding relief from the pain. For even better results, many people try alternating with a heat pack.
Many women find themselves suffering from muscle tension as their anxieties increase, especially during times of upheaval in life, such as during menopause. By knowing what can help to cure muscle tension, you will be able to relieve the pain when it strikes.
Sources
- National Health Service. (2013). Back pain - prevention. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Back-pain/Pages/Prevention.aspx
- Vorvick, L.J. (2011). Muscle aches:MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003178.htm