A child’s life is full of stressful situations that they have to learn to overcome. Maybe children that take naps have it right. Children get snappy and distressed when they need a break and need to zone out form the stress of life. As chronic pain patients, we could follow their example and better our days too.
Stress aggravates your sensory perception of pain. It is time to embrace the benefits of the power nap. Stress increases hormones, which increases our pain. Taking a nap or sleeping lowers the hormones back down. A short nap, where you get into semi-consciousness is very beneficial and a great way to hit the reset button. Muscles relax and pain may subside giving you better ease as you wake up and start the process all over. I know I have trouble sleeping or taking naps when my pain levels are high. It takes practice to get into a deep relaxation and turn your mind off, especially when you are stressed or in pain. In addition, when I am in severe pain, I have trouble concentrating. Taking breaks and napping increases cognitive abilities according to researchers at NASA.
Ms. Ingle is a Chronic Pain Educator for the Power of Pain Foundation, guest speaker for The American Pain Foundation’s Power Over Pain Campaign since 2007 and National Motivational speaker. She has been a pain patient since 2002 and began mentoring other patients through The RSDHope Organization in 2006.
Prior to her auto accident causing chronic pain and subsequent surgeries, Barby was a business owner, event coordinator and head coach at Washington State University for the entire spirit program. Barby has managed a staff of 40 employees and over 50 team members/volunteers. She performed administrative and legal tasks pertinent to managing a small business. Head trainer for all instructional and judging staff. She created and choreographed original program material. Educated and certified all cheer and dance coaches in the state of Washington running up to 25 conferences a year. Barby prepared speeches, tests, manuals and performed presentations.
Barby had been speaking at charity events, awards ceremonies, special groups and all kinds of public venues for 17 years as part of her job as a Collegiate Head Coach, business owner and now as a patient advocate. She graduated from the George Mason University in 1994 with a degree in Social Psychology. Ms. Ingle uses her skills from Cheerleading to inspire and motivate patients to be self advocates and offers tips and tools for patients, caretakers and healthcare professionals. Honors include 2003 who’s who of U.S. Cheerleading coach’s honoree, 2004 Cheer LTD. Coach of the year nominee, Teams ranked nationally in the top 10, coached at the Sun Bowl and two Rose Bowls. Barby has also served as a National speaker, Author of the Cheertec Coaches' Handbook; six part DVD Series on aspects of cheerleading, RSD in Me! A Patient And Caregivers Guide To Dealing With RSD And Other Chronic Pain Conditions. She is also a contributor to Cheerleader! An American Icon and CO-Arthur of The Wisdom of Ingle.