Stress causing muscular pain & other issues

[Frollop]

Hi,
How do you manage stress causing muscular pain. I had a stressful situation to deal with which is ongoing and can flare up. I've noticed when things flare up that I have muscular pain, a funny tummy and problems sleeping when this happens as well as increased anxiety.
I'm trying to avoid going on anti depressants again as it doesn't agree with me but will speak to the GP soon.

Thanks

I'm not sure but exercise might help get rid of adrenaline and cortisol in your body, could you squeeze in a bit of exercise after work?

It’s amazing the effects stress and worry can have on the body. I find listening to audiobooks and Asmr at bedtime helps distract me from upsetting thoughts a bit. If you don’t have problems around alcohol, a small nightcap might help. I find relaxes my mind and my body a bit.

Regular massage helps me.

Thank you for the feedback I will start exercising again and listening to podcasts again.
I had massages before COVID so will look into starting again.
Nightcap idea taken onboard

I deal with this a lot and try to relax my muscles regularly to avoid too much accumulated tension. These things help me, either individually or combined:

• Long hot bath before bedtime (with a distracting podcast/giving myself permission to switch off)
• Professional massage, sometimes
• Self-massage of trigger points (worth googling/looking on YouTube
• As per PP, sometimes alcohol in moderation just to take the edge off.
• Gentle stretching plus resting in semi-supine position (again, see YouTube)
• Other forms of distraction from stress - you deserve a break

Also, some people find progressive relaxation exercises helpful (YouTube again), though sadly my muscles aren't so obliging.

Hope things feel better for you soon.

@inininsomnia I stopped bathing in Epsom salts and I'm wondering if this is contributing to my discomfort.
Does dealing with the pain make you upset?

Thank you for your advice, it is appreciated. I will look into all of it.

I hope you have continued improvement in your health x

Magnesium supplement and stretching/ going for walks.

@MrsPelligrinoPetrichor thank you... reminder to take my supplement regularly again!

I think restarting exercise will help alot

I keep mine by the kettle so I remember!

Walking, Epsom salt baths, vitamin D3, yoga

Thank you everyone, I've let myself go and the advice and reminders will help me to build myself up again x

Yes to epsom salts. I also really like cacao powder, it is full of magnesium which is good for anxiety, minus the sugar in hot chocolate. Obviously in a hot drink not in a bath!

Try the Calm app- it's about £25 a year but lots of relaxation, mindfulness and meditation on there along with adults and children's bedtime stories which really help you to relax

Thank you for these updates, really helpful!