Relaxation and Epilepsy

What are you doing right now? You're obviously on your laptop, computer, iPad, etc... But do you consider this relaxing? Most people do consider browsing the internet a form of relaxation. Little do most Epileptics know, being online is quite the opposite of relaxation for the brain.

If you've driven around your town, you've probably noticed various locations where spas have opened up over the years. If you are anything like I used to be, you are probably wondering if maybe, just maybe, there's something to the whole "spa" idea. You've probably wondered if massages actually do anything for your health, whether it be good or bad.

Epilepsy Ontario says "Many studies have found that greater than 50% of people experienced declines in seizure frequency by using relaxation techniques."

Well, you may be surprised to know that there is indeed something to the idea of "a day at the spa". There are many health benefits from this form of relaxation for people with Epilepsy, amongst other forms. You might even be surprised to know that for a person with Epilepsy, some types of relaxation may seem to relax us, but are really bringing havoc on our brains.. So get yourself a nice hot cup of tea and read on to learn more... (But be sure to take a break since being on the computer for long periods of time can cause seizures in some Epileptics!)

To start off, there are many types of spas:

• Health Spas
• Pampering Spas
• Hotel/Resort Spas
• Wellness Spas
• Medical Spas
• Stay/Destination Spas

and many, many more. The list would be far too long to fit in this article. Each type of spa has it's own benefits that other spas may not offer. Hotel spas usually offer the same massage/facial/sauna package, along with unlimited drinks and food items. Medical spas are more oriented for those who have illnesses or injuries. To learn a little more about the types of spas, please click the following link

So the real question is, what makes going to a spa so relaxing anyway? Can't I just take a bubble bath at home? NYU professor of psychiatry Virginia Sadock, MD says:

"Going to a spa is a way of getting taken care of that is psychologically and culturally acceptable -- and we can carry that feeling of being cared for with us for a period of time, and very often that can help us cope better with stress. Most spa treatments involve being touched, a key element in helping us relax and feel better. Physical contact is necessary to our well-being, and even if the touching is from a stranger, if that stranger is a professional there to pamper you, that touch will have a beneficial effect."

Here are some more helpful links about the benefits of going to the spa. Please feel free to leave any links you found helpful in the comments below!:

• Massage Therapy Benefits
• WebMD - Spas - The Risks and Benefits
• Health Benefits of Spas 

Now, going to a spa is not the only way that a person with Epilepsy can find relaxation. Other activities such as taking a bubble bath (at home), reading a book out at the park, or just taking a good old fashioned nap can relax ourselves more than we know. However, as I mentioned, some forms of relaxation may relax the body, but not the brain.

Here are some examples of relaxation Do's and Don't's for people with Epilepsy:

• Reading a book - DO: Read for half an hour in a quiet place of your choice. DON'T: Read for more than half an hour to 45 minutes. Reading challenges both the brain and eyes, which, in turn can sometimes trigger seizure activity. This may not be the case for all people with Epilepsy, but it will help control seizures if reading is something you do frequently.
• Taking a relaxing bubble bath at home - DON'T: Use candles near or in the bathtub. Some people can get away with this, but if you were to have a seizure this could result in serious injury. DON'T: Take a prolonged bath without letting anyone know where you are. I always alert my family when I'm taking a bath so that they can knock periodically to make sure I am safe. One of the most common deaths associated with Epilepsy is drowning, and usually at home. DON'T: Lock your bathroom door. It can be tempting, but you shouldn't do it. Just let your family/roommates/etc. know that you wish not to be bothered, and leave the door unlocked in case of emergency. You want to make sure people can reach you if you have gone into a seizure. I have made this mistake myself and it wasn't pretty.
• Watching your favorite TV Show: DON'T: Watch TV for a prolonged amount of time. Half an hour to 45 minutes is just enough. Many people with Epilepsy have photosensitive Epilepsy, and TV usage can make this worse (along with strobe lights, camera flashes, etc.
• Watching the sunset: DON'T: go outdoors for long periods of time without letting someone know you are gone. Otherwise, watching the sunset is a great way to relax. It's quiet, doesn't involve electronics of any type, and there is little risk of danger as long as someone knows where you can be found.
• Taking a nap:  There aren't really any "don'ts" except for sleeping too much. You don't want to totally throw off your sleeping pattern so that you can't fall asleep again at night. It is important to have a constant sleeping pattern, and to get 9 hours of sleep per day. So overall, taking a nap is an awesome way to relax your body and mind and relieve stress.
• Using a stress/squeeze ball: Awesome way to relieve stress, especially if you are at work and there's no other way to relax. You can buy them online at OfficePlayground.com for only $0.99! Keep it at your desk and squeeze the heck out of it when your boss is ticking you off!

• Yoga: Yoga is something that I have promoted for years. It's simple, relaxing, doesn't cost money (except for maybe a mat/rug) and will relax your body in ways you can't imagine. To learn more about the health benefits of yoga please check out Health and Yoga - Benefits of Yoga. Here are some practical yoga poses for beginners to get your started!

These are just a few relaxing activies that I have come up with. How do you like to relax? Tweet your answers to @EpilepsyBlogger on Twitter!

Here is a list of activies that are NOT relaxing for the brain whatsoever:

• Playing videogames such as Angry Birds, Call of Duty, Tetris, etc. This is especially bad for those who have photosensitive Epilepsy.
• Anything that makes you extremely tiresome. People with Epilepsy need more rest than the normal human being. Although exercise is vital for any person, if you are already feeling tired, stressed and sick, maybe it's time to hit the sheets and take a nap.
• Smoking a cigarette - Nicotine and the other ingredients/chemicals/drugs inside of cigarettes actually stress out both the body and the brain. Please click this link for more information: Smoking and Epilepsy
• Having an "Ice cold beer" - Drinking is one of the worst things a person with Epilepsy can do. Not only does alcohol put stress on the brain, but it actually cancels out the medication/treatments being given to you by your doctors. This makes you more prone to seizures. No matter it be wine, beer, vodka, etc. Please click this link for more information: Alcohol and Epilepsy
• Last but not least, any activity that involves you being in possible danger alone. Yes, it is true, we cannot live our lives in fear. We must empower ourselves to be strong and function like the rest of the humans in this world. Activites like swimming, bike riding, hiking, etc. should all be done with a partner. You never know when a seizure could strike, and no one wants to be alone when that happens.