Relaxation And Sound Sleep Prescribed For “Jumpy” Nerves

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 15, 23 January 1948, Page 3

Relaxation And Sound Sleep Prescribed For “Jumpy” Nerves

(By the Department of Health) “My nerves are all on edge!” How often do you hear that from a friend or acquaintance. And how often do you see in others that condition known as being “highly strung” or described as “living on one’s nerves”? When you feel yourself getting restless and on edge, when you come up against some emotional crisis that leaves you jumpy and highly strung, it’s a good idea to get rid of the nervous strain by some positive action that helps you to relax. If you can relax the battle is won—the worry gets itself into proper perspective and you achieve calmness and judgment again. This applies also to the restlessness that develops from spells of overwork, or perhaps of inadequate sleep. Still put your all into your daily work. But cut away from it sharply. Fly immediately to that particular thing you love doing best. If it should be gardening, well—get out into the garden. If you are a musician, go to the piano, the violin, or other instrument, and let the act of evoking music slowly 'soothe the restlessness.

During the day’s work- relax at every legitimate opportunity. Make a real rest of any rest pause, let muscles ■'go limp and deliberately rest. Close your eyes and doze off in bus or tram or train. Just a few minutes relaxing this way works wonders. The more restless you feel, the more you need this relaxation. The more sleep you need too-—a warm drink, a hot bath, a deliberate loosening of muscles in bed, these things may help you to get off \o that sleep which is the best treatment of nerves and restlessness.