Is anyone interested in swapping recommendations of products for those days when we might need a little boost? For example, I love beauty products and have honed my make-up bag down to some really good products that help me "put on my face" quickly. Also I use scented candles, diffusers, bath and shower oils, and aromatherapy products from various brands - anything that helps to make me feel a little better. Just wondered if it might be nice to swap some ideas.
Product recommendations for a little happiness bo... - PMRGCAuk
Product recommendations for a little happiness boost?
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SusyTe
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I love food shopping...buying new vegetables and products that help me confoto strict low carb PMR diet. Yesterday I bought chickpea pasta, Chia and hemp seeds. Also bought Tumeric pillls and powder, fresh ginger. Tried chicken with Tumeric sauce (be careful, it stains) and a ginger Tumeric cocktail. Since we have no idea what works or doesn't, I just add to the mix of random things and hope the combination will help.
I also read healing quotes, pray (when I remember), keep a gratitude journal, get a weekly massage and try new gentle exercises like Qigong and Tai Chi. Also 20-30 minutes of Zumba and short walks. Petting my old dog also calms me. Type A+ personality requires major lifestyle adjustments with PMR.
Let us know what new ideas you implement and how they help.
You are certainly trying lots of things, Sandy - I am impressed! Low carb is definitely the way to go while on Pred to try to avoid weight gain - although I have still put quite a lot on. I have a massage and acupuncture occasionally and am going to book a Reiki session soon. I drink Pukka herbal teas and like to burn an Elemis spa candle when I am on the sofa with my mug - it smells gorgeous. I use Aromatherapy Associates bath/shower oil in the shower and also use Aveda Chakra sprays. Just little things to give me a psychological boost.
I find getting outside helps. I've made a point to visit some gardens this summer. I also do a daily walks and enjoy jigsaw puzzles.
I like to get out to parks with my granddaughter who I watch 3 days a week. Often too sure to lift her onto swings etc but grandpa is learning fast haha. Always feel better if I've been moving about though some days I'm just tempted to just do nothing....... Then I get more sore because I stiffen up š
Look for a Reiki Share Group in your area
Donations requested you will also learn to practice Reiki yourself
My Reiki Master always taught Reiki is a gift but is valued so not to be given free but also a universal energy that is free .
Thanks, Rose - I did a Reiki course a year or so ago but have never used it - think I need a refresher course, if there is such a thing.
Thanks for sharing, any ideas for the popping veins in my arms? It's too hot for long sleeves and gloves! My 94 year old mother is in the hospital and her veins look better than mine! Her brain works better, too. What's up wth Pred Head? Quick and clear thinking is diminishing! Balance is challenged. Tried Tai Chi and had no patience. Quigong was better but hard to find classes. I'm going to try Aquafit and Pilates.
I wish the powerful ladies on this forum could cast a magic spell and rid us all of this unwanted visitor! Keep smiling, lighting candles and commiserating with your buddies on this site!
Only advice for veiny arms is a top with floaty, chiffony sleeves. No advice re hands - other than using lots of hand cream at least makes the skin look smooth if not less veiny.
PMRproAmbassador
If you can find a good Bowen therapist it is not only as relaxing as a massage, it hurts less for people with PMR and often helps some of the add-ons to PMR that cause spasmed back muscles.
I've been reading about people enjoying a massage and I can't think of anything worse at the moment. The thought of someone touching my shoulders šµ Pred starting to kick in now so maybe in time I'll be ready for that but Bowen thing you mention looks good
I think we are all at different stages, Holly. I remember when the thought of a massage would make me cringe - but occasionally now I can enjoy one, albeit a gentle one.
I have myofascial pain syndrome as well and it just had a party! It started last November but it took until March to get a hospital appointment to get approval for physiotherapy department treatment. In the meantime my GP did a couple of lots of injections which kept me going but my shoulder muscles were VERY tender when I saw the doctor. She did some manual mobilisation - which caused me to squeal I have to say. But the improvement made that short-lived pain worth it. Then I was handed over to physio for massage - and yes, it hurt at the time but the difference afterwards again made it worth every squeak 
But I've been doing this approach for years - and it is difficult to estimate the amount of pred it has saved me when I have had timely treatment.
Bowen, on the other hand, is a lot less sore.
One glass of Orange Licquer brandy...am about to buy out M&S whole shelf....................
I use Khiels Midnight Recovery Oil. If you clean your face before bed then apply a couple of drops of oil it smells soothing and feels lovely. Not greasy or oily blends in well. It's expensive but would last 6 months. Might help you drift off to sleep.
I think I have read about that somewhere, Estelle - the reviewer said it was a brilliant product. Must give it a try, thanks.
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer
Hi,
The sound of breaking waves does it for me - but I'm lucky and live near the coast!
Or listening to good music (varies on the mood) with a glass of something bubbly in front of a flickering fire (in the winter) or in the garden on a summer evening (if you're lucky!)
Relaxing in hot bath filled with Arnica bubbles while meditating followed by self massage of any tender points with Arnica Gel
Recently purchased Physiotherapy spike ball to work out any tender points I am unable to reach .
Painting my nails and considering how lucky I am as things could be so much worse
at least we are alive
Love myself a lot
Never heard of Arnica bubbles, Rose?
Is this the stuff, Rose?
My husband buys me Jo Malone body lotion. It is lovely to be surrounded by a gorgeous scent. I try not to think of the cost.
I too like beauty products and the ridiculous optimism they provoke in me and the ludicrous promises they make that I want to believe.
Lovely thread Susy. šŗ
I love Jo Malone products, Jane. And also Liz Earle Superskin Hand Serum - smells and feels divine.
Charlotte Tilbury Rock n Kohl eyeliner in Bedroom Black or Marlene Midnight - wonderful crayon-style eyeliner. Draw it on with a little flick at the outer corners of the eye, let it dry for few seconds, and it stays on all day. Add Eyeko Sport Waterproof mascara (has fibres in) or YSL Baby Doll mascara if you prefer not to have waterproof and your eyes will look amazing.
Ooh - Fragonard reed diffusers (can get them from M&S in the UK) - their fragrances are beautiful.
I am seduced by Mac products, lipsticks etc ( perfect nude is Driftwood). Also if you want to glow with health ( fake) I like Mac Strobe cream Hydratant Lumineux š.
Sorry for excluding the boys, I wonder what you do to feel better in yourself?
Interesting, Jane - I will take a look at those products. Sorry - hadn't thought about the chaps!
Never mind the boys - much of this thread is all Greek to me! My daughter uses more such products in a day than I have used in my life...
I'm with Dorsetlady and jinasc!!!!!!
I love being by the sea and certainly love having a glass of bubbly so with you both there! Growing up I wanted to be a beauty therapist before my father pushed me into being a PA. I am thinking of maybe re-training as a therapist at some point - like the idea of helping people feel better in some small way.
How did I guess you'd agree with me!
Epsom salts bath...and my lovely friend has just sent me some Epsom Shower gel for those days I can't face getting in the bath! Works wonders for me on aching muscles if I've overdone it. She also sent me a Tai Chi video...will be trying that tomorrow, I'm very lucky to have such lovely friends. Not a product but watching my crazy Cockapoo having a fun on a walk and playing "pooh sticks" with his ball in the river, luckily he doesn't care that the walks are a lot shorter and slower these days!
Forgot about Epsom Salts. Our bath is out of action at the moment - can't wait to get it sorted in a couple of weeks and have a long soak - with some salts and few drops of aromatherapy oil. Once I stop work at the end of next month I am planning to try Tai Chi - I think Celtic recommended a class not far from home. Cockapoos are gorgeous dogs - and you painted a lovely picture of his antics - made me smile - thanks, Trixie.
I last got in a bath about 11 years ago! I'm terrified I won't get out! Thank goodness for walk-in showers! I'm even scared when I have to use a shower that is over a bath!
ā¢ in reply toPMRpro
And agree with you about showers over baths PPro. I got inheritance 2 years ago and moved kitchen into dining room and put downstairs loo and walk in shower in old kitchen. massive job but well worth it. Ha vent used my previously well loved old enamel bath since. I love shower gels that are more woody...like sandal wood or cedar wood. plenty of essential oils to burn and smell and the lovely smell of euventol oil. Supposed to help with memory and concentration. Not noticing much improvement but smells nice. Might be tempted by an arnica bubbles bath...as long as there was a JCB available to pull me out!!
I don't use any form of soaps, nothing that foams, besides shampoo every couple of weeks. If I do my skin just dries and flakes and I cannot abide the feel of creams to replace what I just took out. And the result after 8 years of pred: barely a bruise despite also being on an anticoagulant, just 3 patches of purpura on one wrist and skin that's still as tough as leather. Not all bad then
If this is the stuff Rose means then it doesn't have any SLS.
nealsyardremedies.com/bath-...
You are an inspiration, PMRpro.
Do tell me - why? People keep saying that...
Because you have so much knowledge that you selflessly share with us all and you are strong and encouraging even 'though you have been through so much. That is my first response but there are many other reasons.
I agree! You inspire all of us to keep putting one foot in front of the other inspite of complaining and getting depressed about pain, life style changes and the abruptness of dealing with a condition that appeared out of no where.
Couldn't do it without you and so many others. Thanks for being such a big part of the Village!
Me too just like PMRpro, it is years since I got in a bath and then I couldn't get out.....I looked like a beached whale after I had let the water out to try and help, had to enlist hubby's strength to haul me out - not a pretty sight LOL. We then had a walk in shower installed for the same reason and I love it. Also prefer the alcoholic form of a treat! Gentle hugs to all.
ā¢ in reply toTrixiechamp
I am with you TChamp...watching my cocker spaniel jumping into river off rocks chasing her ball and "surfing" down falls to get out. Makes me smile and does me good even when it's hot and sticky. Tend to find a bench more these days but that's lovely too.
Hanging with me old, blind arthritic Colon rescue makes me feel young and beautiful!
Have also joined a local walking group on FB and plan to join them for walks along the Thames once I have stopped working - get some fresh air and meet some new people.
Confession time. I love talking about girlie things like make up and fashion. None of my friends share this interest, they are all beautiful from inside, with worthwhile interests and occupations. All appear like nature intended, fitness is the only consession to vanity. I even avidly read gossip magazines in the hairdressers. I am lonesome in my frivolity.
It was no surprise to realise that yet again I am surrounded by women of substance and good sense.
Nothing wrong with a bit of frivolity in my opinion, Jane. Whatever makes us feel good. You can be wise and frivolous. š I don't do gossip mags (my sister does 'though) but I am interested in beauty and fashion - I don't think of it as vanity - I love being a girly girl.
I grew up surrounded by blokes, did science at school and went to medical school when there were still far more men than women. So all my Uni mates were male too. My mother had a powder compact. Nothing else.
My frivolity comes in other ways of being silly when I find a friend who does the same - and I do like wearing pink, but dramatic pinks are my preference.
My Mother would not be seen without her "face" on. I used to watch her and found it fascinating. I always went out with rugby players - went to a boys' school for Sixth Form. Used to be one of the lads' gang until I was 18 and went to live in Paris, where the Parisiennes I encountered were amazed at my style - or lack of, in their opinion and gradually "improved" me (their words not mine), outwardly at least - they insisted that women should pamper themselves - a concept new to me back then. When I came back to London I ended up in the City where rightly or wrongly (I think we know which) in those days we were judged on our appearance and the make-up and heels were de rigueur. Nowadays I can't be bothered with the high heels but I do like a good skin or make-up product.
Are we talking Schiaparelli pink, perhaps, PMRpro? š
I had to look her and it up - but yes, exactly! My toenails are that colour currently...
Mine are a sensible taupe so there you go.
No point being sensible about toe nail varnish! Taupe - that's posh for beige isn't it? Don't really do beige - though I had to admit that taupe summer shorts go with lots of t-shirt colours and don't show grubby bits as much as white (or your knicker line )
I don't want to draw attention to my Psoriasis ravaged feet at present. It's made a spectacular comeback now my Pred dose is down. You have made me long for hot pink toe and finger nails however.
I drink lots of turmeric and ginger teas as they're meant to reduce inflammation. I walk when I get the chance. Love my products too and always put my make up on. I was so worried about getting a fat face but now I'm worried about losing it because my wrinkles have virtually gone and I'm going to have to pay for fillers when they come back!! My face was quite long and thin so the added roundness just makes me look healthy.
Hi Suzan
I've been wearing mascara every day since I was 15, despite teachers commenting at school. Having red hair I have such pale eyelashes without mascara, so I never leave the house without it! I also have a long, thin face so the chubby "steroid cheeks" is a totally different look for me, and still a novelty! I'm always being told how well I look.
Hi Claire. I get my eyelashes dyed occasionally - have you ever tried that? It's really easy and quick.
That sounds a great idea.... I had actually never thought about that. I'm so vain about my eyelashes, I wear mascara for operations (tut tut) and even when I'm expecting a delivery. Not that Amazon have time to even glance at the customer, they are on such a tight schedule.... I've noticed they run everywhere!
Thanks Susy, I'll be exploring eyelash dyeing!
If you really want to go for it, Claire, see if you can find somewhere that does "LVL" lashes. Takes a bit longer but they use a solution on your lashes and make them go up more vertically from the lid then dye them blue black. With amazing results. You need to have a patch test first for either dyeing or LVL. Please make sure you get a good salon to do it. I reckon you will be very pleased with the results. Makes getting ready much easier - you can still put a bit of mascara on if you really want to but normally it is not necessary. X
Wow, I've never heard of LVL. I'll certainly be investigating that. Thanks for the information Susy. What a great thread you started! I've just had another read through all the posts and I'm amazed at all the beauty products that people use and your knowledge! I hope you will consider training as a beauty therapist. xx
ā¢ in reply toLadybird25
I'm not a big make up person since work stopped and I was sweating so much my face slipped off in first hour but continued with dyed eye lashes for a long time. May. go back to having them done.
I hope you like the results, Claire. Actually, I have been seriously thinking about studying reflexology to go with my Reiki, once I have stopped work and hopefully feel a bit better. I spoke to my chiropodist this week during our session and he said to let him know if/when I qualified as he would like to work with me either in his practice or would send his clients my way. Interesting idea! Re beauty products, if anyone is interested in a really good and reasonably priced skincare range I can highly recommend a US brand called Paula's Choice. You have to get it online but it is worth the faff - it has made a significant difference to my skin.
I LOVE this idea. My happiness boost is to spend 15 to 20 minutes a day drinking a cup of tea or coffee outside in the sun and in my tiny corner garden, whenever possible. My cell phone stays indoors unless I can make an overdue call to a loved one. My have "Irish" skin, so I try and do this earlier in the day before work starts. For the winter months, I am thinking of clearing out my mudroom so I can move in some potted plants and re-create the morning sun via an east facing window. At night, I also indulge in great smelling lotions with essential oils to help me sleep. Currently in use: The Cottage Greenhouse's Wild Ginger & Agave Whipped Body Butter.
I have also found getting rid of "stuff" to be very therapeutic and brings me happiness. I am an unapologetic fan of the book "the life changing magic of tidying up" by Marie Kondo. This was how I came to grips with the realization that high heels were no longer in my future (much). I remember setting up a chair in my closet, at the peak of my PMR, holding each and every pair of shoes to my heart and asking myself if it brought me "joy" or "no joy". Then the shoes would get tossed into a "joy" or "no joy" box...with the "no joys" sincerely thanked for their service to me and headed to their new life at the dump or at Goodwill and the "joy" shoes getting a spot of honor on a shelf in the closet. (None of my typical thought patterns about waste or thinking "Well I might need this very pair if I have to paint a house, in the snow, ten years from now.") I texted a few friends photos of the "joys" which included a pair of six inch high strappy sandals with a beautiful Japanese carp design (Icons). I am unlikely to ever wear them again, but the idea of them still makes me happy and I like seeing them in my closet next to my more practical shoes. One of my friends teased me that I got rid of more shoes than she's owned in a lifetime. I challenged her to count each and every pair of shoes and boots she owned that were scattered about her home in various closets. She came back a few days later and admitted she was only a few pair shy of my own and that she too had indulged in a bit of "Marie Kondo" therapy. I am due for another round of this therapy. It's very "freeing" and helps me appreciate my life.
Love your post, Rose. I am in the middle of helping my sister clear her house - she has been hoarding. I am going to try the "Joy or no joy" on her - see if it helps. At the moment it is a struggle as she resists getting rid of anything!
ā¢ in reply toSusyTe
I too am enthused by joy or no joy. thinking about the stuff in my "storage room" brings no joy so saving for a Skip!!
Best wishes for your sister! Hoarding runs in my family and I've seen first hand the price people pay as time goes on. When I'm cleaning house, I try and imagine if I walked into my home, what it would be like if everything I saw gave me joy
Another funnier (and raunchier) source of inspiration, is George Carlin and his riff on "stuff". You may find it here or you could google him and "stuff". youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gC...
Hilarious, Rose - I love it, thanks! When I got divorced from my first husband and moved from our house into a small flat, I promised myself that I would only have "stuff" in there that I loved so that when I walked in the door it would feel like a sanctuary. And I managed it! Now 20 years later and married to my wonderful second husband I have the same feeling about our house and furniture etc - but I do have too many clothes, shoes and bags, it is true. When I feel low I get on the net and buy these things in an attempt to make myself feel happier. Also, with this new Pred bod I have had to buy some bigger, looser clothing - but I am certainly not going to get rid of my smaller clothes as I know this is temporary. I do plan to get rid of a lot of shoes and work dresses once I stop work at the end of September 'though. Never sold anything on eBay before but intend to learn!
That is totally inspirational Rose it sounds health giving and empowering. What about your " thin clothes" reluctant to let the idea of returning to them go.
I kept my "thin" clothes - not that I would ever have described myself as thin - and was heartily glad I did! When I drastically cut carbs and lost 35lbs in weight over 18 months to 2 years I just worked my way back down. It would have cost me a fortune if I hadn't had the stuff there.
I still have a couple of trousers I can't get into and I admit the likelihood is small but they are very expensive clothes that I love. It may happen - and the incentive remains.
Same approach to the "thin clothes" If they gave me joy I kept them and if not, out they went. I have been able to get back into some of them too
Thank you Rose. I can relate to the "joy" or "no joy"! Like you described with your strappy sandals, when we were downsizing my mum's wardrobe recently, she selected a few fabulous outfits that she will never wear again, but she wanted to keep them because they still bought her "joy" when she looked at them. Your post has really helped her as she felt a bit silly at keeping things "just for the sake of it", but she knew that looking at them sparked off the happy memories of when she wore them. Now it's been endorsed that it's absolutely fine to keep things that bring her "joy", even if she'll never wear them again.
As for me, I made a trip to the charity shop yesterday!
That's great! Tell her I will share a smile with her every time I see my shoes.
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