Experience develops into insights and the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow proved quite insightful Wednesday, May 16th, 2018. I am co-host Zachary Fenell, smarter after this past Wednesday and ready to pass along my newly gained knowledge. So relax and enjoy the May 16th recap.

If only relaxing remained that simple! Early chatter revolved around stress and hypertension. Showing vulnerability, I asked the “stupid” question. “What is hypertension?”

My co-host Devin Axtman explained hypertension as the medical term for high blood pressure. Channeling the mindset original #CPChatNow co-founder John W. Quinn always displayed, I sought to get us focusing towards solutions opposed to dwelling upon problems.

Regular R responded to my question regarding what activities relax her, listing off quite the number! R’s response initially included mediation and yoga to relax muscles. She quickly added, “biofreeze, tacos, massage, epsom salt whirlpool baths, stretching, plenty of water, tacos, chocolate, weighted blankets.”

Personally the weighted blankets item caught my attention. Earlier in the week in a CP related Facebook group I belong to, someone posted about weighted blankets. Therefore R’s mentioning weighted blankets peaked my curiosity.

Devin pondered my question, figuring weights in the blanket could apply pressure. Meanwhile R provided a more certain reply, detailing why weighted blankets work well with spasticity.

Relaxing activities continued a popular subject. Devin and I each shared what relaxes our respective selves.

Probably unsurprising to most in our community, I said physical activity relaxes me. Within the aforementioned physical activity I included my library job, a physically involved position. You might additionally come across Devin at the library when he needs to relax considering my co-host reads to relax.

Your turn to share! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What activity relaxes you?” Reply in the “Comments” section.

Perhaps you too relax by reading, using weighted blankets, or striking particular yoga positions. Maybe though, your relaxing activity differs. Sleep may represent your safe haven. Actually sleep surfaced during the discussion on relaxing and quickly became the chat’s concentration.

Although multiple participants deemed sleeping relaxing, falling asleep stood out as troublesome. A commonality Casey attributed to CP. R agreed 100%. The two further bonded over difficulties falling asleep.

Casey called those who take falling asleep for granted crazy and R resonated with the sentiments. Despite a frustration many nights, trouble falling asleep will supply an asset this Thursday, May 24th. You will not want to fall asleep early Thursday since we will host our monthly CPChatNow Google Hangout that evening. The May 2018 Hangout date we finalized during the chat May 16th.

Combining feedback received during the Twitter chat alongside responses to our private Facebook group post, the May 2018 Google Hangout will happen this Thursday, May 24th. Message the #CPChatNow Facebook fan page to inquire about receiving the link to the Hangout.

Before leaving to message us on Facebook, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “What activity relaxes you?” Comment below to reply.

Until next time, remember. Do not blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary