Creative Copes Podcast

Welcome back to part two of our Deep Dive into Fibromyalgia. This episode is a day in the life of Mita, on a "good" day and a "not so good" day. We delve into what sleep is (or isn't) like, a morning routine that starts off in slow motion, with limited energy, moderate pain and a wobbliness that just won't quit. Breaking things down into one day is informative, especially for those of us who do not suffer from this debilitating condition, as well as others who do, and have someone to relate to. We discuss sleep, diet, activities of daily living, pain scales, family and friends, trying to have a social life, managing a household as a parent, adaptations, medications, discrimination and SO MUCH MORE. If you or someone you know and love has been diagnosed with this condition (or maybe are in the process that takes some upwards of ten years to get), then this is the episode for you. It is complex, subjective, dynamic, and limiting. Help us shine some light on this often misunderstood disorder and maybe bring a little more kindness to those who are coping with it. Knowledge is power and we are trying to be raw, open and honest to make this journey feel a little less lonely. Please enjoy this special song contribution original, by Mita, during this episode. ♥ We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website: https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can find links to articles we researched, items that may be able to purchase, and extras in the form of written word for those of you who like a cup of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find previous podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well as our contact information and various other things.   The views and opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by us, possible guests, bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord and are not intended to offend anyone or anything. Our content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial 911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

In this deep dive episode, Mita gets up close and personal with her diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. This is part one, where we discuss this complex condition with very subjective symptoms. We only scratch the surface, as there is a ton to talk about on the subject. Any search engine investigation will turn up thousands of websites, from the informative to the insane. We find out common ailments, the beginning of Mita's journey to her diagnosis, and the complete overhaul one must do to live with this often misunderstood, chronic, invisible illness. Join us as we begin to learn some interesting facts about fibromyalgia. She likens her syndrome to Kintsugi - The Golden Joinery that allows artists to pour gold into the cracks of something that has broken and make it beautiful again. And that is a beautiful approach to healing. We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website: https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can find links to articles we researched, items that may be able to purchase, and extras in the form of written word for those of you who like a cup of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find previous podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well as our contact information and various other useful things. The views and opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by us, possible guests, bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord and are not intended to offend anyone or anything. Our content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial 911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

In this miniSODE, we talk about brain fog. “Brain fog” isn’t a medical condition - It’s a term used for certain symptoms that can affect your ability to think. You may feel confused or disorganized or find it hard to focus or put your thoughts into words." (WebMD). Although there are a lot of medical issues that list this as a side effect, some of the more common conditions include Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Cancer and cancer treatments, Pregnancy, Menopause, Lupus, Sleep Disorders, Depression and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Brain fog may leave you feeling confused, forgetful, unable to focus, and memory deprived. Although scary, because it feels like you lack mental clarity, it is not dangerous. This can lead to anxiety and the feeling of dissociation. Mita experiences this with the multiple syndromes she has. She lovingly refers to it as Fuzz Buzz and she has learned some coping strategies to help offset the negative feelings. Come listen in as we do a miniSODE about our brains and the windshield wiper ways to help. The views and  opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by us, possible guests,  bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord and are not intended to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for  entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial 911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

Part Two of alternative medicine and therapeutic approaches begin with Yoga. We discuss breathing, postures and our experience with this technique. There are a lot of benefits to be had, such as increased flexibility, muscle strength and tone, cardiac and circulation health, stress management, mental clarity, body awareness and a centered, calm mind. The physical and emotional body can be nurtured in this practice. We dive into guided imagery meditation, CranioSacral Therapy, Somato-Emotional Release and Neurofeedback. There are a lot of coping strategy techniques and valuable information in this episode. More tools to add to your bag of tricks to try or investigate further. We are always seeking ways to feel better. Sometimes, it comes in neat, socially acceptable packages. Other times, it is weird and hokey and crazy sounding. Either way, if you find what works for you, does it really matter what it is called? This a personal choice to do what is best for YOUR body and soul. We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website:   https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can  find  links to articles we researched, items that may be able to  purchase,  and extras in the form of written word for those of you who  like a cup  of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find  previous  podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well  as our  contact information and various other useful things.   The views and  opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not  necessarily reflect  the official policy or position of the podcast or  the podcast listening  platform. Topics and subject matter provided by  us, possible guests,  bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord  and are not intended  to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for  entertainment and  informational purposes only. Please consult your  health care  professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial  911 for  medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline  information  (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

dysFUNCTION jUNCTION is a place to listen to behind-the-scenes bloopers, outtakes, and other Jen and Mita lunacy. Here you can find small(ish) segments of moments that did not make it to the podcast platform. We are not English majors... In fact, one of us is not from America (or even an English speaking country). We are human, we get tongue-tied, and one of us gets a little carried away with her chattiness. We mess up. Sometimes a little and sometimes a LOT. We always laugh our way through it, because that is how we choose to creatively cope with the nerves of having an international recording session about very real and very deep issues. Whether we are discussing the serious or the seriously ridiculous, we try to do so with a smile. And hopefully you will have some fun in our mistakes. Here, we put the FUN in dysFUNCTION jUNCTION. Enjoy! In this dysFUNCTION jUNCTION, Mita looses her shit before we even begin. She drops F bombs like a truck driver and people think she is the "proper" one. We touch on headphone debacles and how Jen's tender fontanelle cranium place is not used to these Beats and their metal hardware. "Jen-etics" may play a role in her big dome, "jen-stractions" are used when people need diversions to real life craziness, and all sorts of laughter ensues. Have a chuckle at our expense. We don't mind. The views and opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not  necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or  the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by  us, possible guests, bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord  and are not intended to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for  entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your  health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial  911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline  information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

Who doesn't like a Swedish Massage or targeted approaches to pressure points to alleviate pain and discomfort? Or maybe Chiropractic care, with spinal adjustments and TENS machines are more your cup of tea? Do fine needles strategically placed across your skin make you think of energy clearing Qi or pin cushion nightmares?  In this episode, we discuss our personal experiences with Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Acupressure and Chiropractic Medicine. We get into all the scientific backgrounds and the varieties each method targets for treatment. Join us as we learn what the difference is between complementary and alternative medicine, how piriformis syndrome is literally a pain in the ass and how we lovingly compare Chiropractors to Targets. We have reached our double digit episode, so listen in and help us celebrate the BIG 1-0. We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website:   https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can  find  links to articles we researched, items that may be able to  purchase,  and extras in the form of written word for those of you who  like a cup  of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find  previous  podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well  as our  contact information and various other useful things.   The views and  opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not  necessarily reflect  the official policy or position of the podcast or  the podcast listening  platform. Topics and subject matter provided by  us, possible guests,  bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord  and are not intended  to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for  entertainment and  informational purposes only. Please consult your  health care  professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial  911 for  medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline  information  (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

In this episode, we discuss the positives and negatives connecting to copious amounts of worldwide, sometimes (mis)information and why sometimes the cons outweigh the pros.  Social media has some strong arguments for why it is a good thing. Some of those include keeping family and friends connected, communities of like-minded individuals to share ideas, combat loneliness (especially during COVID isolation), keeping minds creative and self-expression in ways mental and physical limitations sometimes stifle. Negative opinions include causing anxiety, depression, body dysmorphia due to filters, can trigger loneliness and unacceptance, the web is a hotspot for cyber bullying and trolling, "keyboard warriors - people who say things online behind the safety of their computer screen that they most likely wouldn't have the balls to say to someone's face), increase of self-harm and suicidal ideation, and the list goes on.... Moderation is key. Reduce the time you are online, stay present in social situations, unfollow accounts that cause negative feelings, limit notifications and maintain life outside of the electronic devices. Humans are social creatures. Please try to do some of that socializing in person. We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website:   https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can  find links to articles we researched, items that may be able to  purchase, and extras in the form of written word for those of you who  like a cup of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find  previous podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well  as our contact information and various other useful things.  The views and opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not  necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or  the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by  us, possible guests, bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord  and are not intended to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for  entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your  health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial  911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline  information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

What do I do when I have to test my mic before a recording? Read a blog about being backed over by a car, of course. This was written by me a while back. Being that we just did an two part episode regarding anxiety and panic, I thought I would share some of my mindless creative writing with you. My brain is a funny thing. So, if you want to hear me break down a scenario in typical Jen fashion, tune in now. And if you want to read the blog entry, head over to https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks.  Love and Light ♥    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

Welcome to another deep(er) dive into the world of anxiety and panic. This week, we talk about how the attacks can turn into disorders and the havoc it can wreak on someone's life. Stress is a normal part of life and everyone experiences it in different ways. But stress, even BIG stress, is not a disorder. It is bothersome, it can cause pain and anguish, and mirror most of the same symptoms that anxiety presents as. We touch on anticipatory anxiety, specific phobias and each of our struggles with the invisible monster. We share some intimate details of life that are definitely not easy to openly admit. The vulnerability game is high in this episode. We hope that you can recognize that you are NOT alone, that we all suffer differently (but there is no one "right" way to struggle), and we all recover at our own pace. Be gentle with yourself. It's rough enough out there as it is. ♥ We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website:  https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can find links to articles we researched, items that may be able to purchase, and extras in the form of written word for those of you who like a cup of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find previous podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well as our contact information and various other useful things. The views and opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by us, possible guests, bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord and are not intended to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial 911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

dYSFUNCTION jUNCTION is a place to listen to behind-the-scenes bloopers, outtakes, and other Jen and Mita lunacy. Here you can find small(ish) segments of moments that did not make it to the podcast platform. We are not English majors... In fact, one of us is not from America (or even an English speaking country). We are human, we get tongue-tied, and one of us gets a little carried away with her chattiness. We mess up. Sometimes a little and sometimes a LOT. We always laugh our way through it, because that is how we choose to creatively cope with the nerves of having an international recording session about very real and very deep issues. Whether we are discussing the serious or the seriously ridiculous, we try to do so with a smile. And hopefully you will have some fun in our mistakes. Here, we put the FUN in dYSFUNCTION jUNCTION. Enjoy! dYSFUNCTION jUNCTION 1 - Mita is trying to seduce Jen with her post exertional malaise heavy breathing and sighing. Jen does not even notice, because she is not used to people flirting with her (Hello, Agoraphobia!!) and is oblivious to compliments, anyway. Moving along, we try not to get TOO dark as we explore the dark side of Dora the Explorer (Do NOT get mad when you have this earworm in your brain for the rest of the night). It's not like we will ruin your life. . And there you have it... The views and opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not  necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or  the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by  us, possible guests, bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord  and are not intended to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for  entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your  health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial  911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline  information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

Join us as we delve into the anxious and panicky sides to Jen and Mita. We took a little detour to share some of our background "diagnonsense" and why anxiety and panic disorders can look so different from one person to the next. A lot of times, people use the terms as adjectives or descriptors for what they are feeling. This is usually what we call anxiety or panic attacks. Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are not the same. We dive in a bit about some childhood beginnings and when these anxious feelings stem from, as well as do our weekly physical and mental health check in. We talk about how drug companies can fail us and sometimes doctors are quick to break out the prescription pad before looking into some CREATIVE COPES first.  This is a heavier episode, one filled with personal stories, rather than ways to cope with things. We share our symptoms, feelings and life experiences. Please remember that we are human beings (with lots of mushy, heartfelt feelings) on the other side of our voices and podcast. Be gentle as we open up and share to help #endthestigma against these disorders. ♥ We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website:  https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can find  links to articles we researched, items that may be able to purchase,  and extras in the form of written word for those of you who like a cup  of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find previous  podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well as our  contact information and various other useful things.  The views and  opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not necessarily reflect  the official policy or position of the podcast or the podcast listening  platform. Topics and subject matter provided by us, possible guests,  bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord and are not intended  to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for entertainment and  informational purposes only. Please consult your health care  professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial 911 for  medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline information  (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

In this episode, we learn about Nature Therapy, and how it is basically a Gardening 2.0 course with some scientific jargon thrown in for good measure. We do our mental/physical check in's, including our dogs lifestyles and how they are ultimately spoiled little creatures with full access to fireplaces and human bed comforters. We speak of Green Therapy, Blue Therapy and the different subcategories of each. Ecotherapy is a fancy term to base the concept of using nature to help us heal. We discuss the benefits of utilizing this low to no cost, highly effective way to improve psychological wellness and ways it can decrease stress, anxiety and depression. "We need nature in our bodies and in our minds." - Mita.  And she is right. We need to take our shoes off and have skin to soil contact with the vibrations of the earth. It grounds us and has these tremendous health benefits. So, regardless of the weather, slip off your shoes for a few seconds and feel something moving into your soul. There are plenty of articles to delve into further if you'd like to learn more. Join us in this conversation of how nature and ecotherapy can benefit you in your Creative Copes to deal with whatever life throws your way. Go Forest Bathe and tag us in the photos. ♥ We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website: https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can find links to articles we researched, items that may be able to purchase, and extras in the form of written word for those of you who like a cup of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find previous podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well as our contact information and various other useful things. The views and opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by us, possible guests, bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord and are not intended to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial 911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

In this episode, we learn about soil/dirt, flowers, plants, the art of being at one with the earth and how Ms. Mother Nature can help people get better. We share some laughs about idiosyncrasies we have involving shaving and ambulance rides, Scandanavian sun chants and our hunt for helpful bacteria to roll around in. We discuss the roots of Horticultural Therapy and how to become an actual therapist in this field. Then we dig deeper into all the positive components gardening has to offer. You do not need a large plot of land, you do not need a degree to build something healing and soulfully beneficial.... just a little space and a little imagination. It does not have to be expensive or take up a lot of effort. The beautiful parts of gardening are that you are your own boss. If color is your jam, go for bright and vibrant flowers. If essential oils and homeopathic scents are your secret to decreased stress, an herbal garden might be your forte. If you enjoy being health conscious and want to join the farm to table movement, maybe consider planting your own vegetable garden. The options are limitless. If peaceful, content and grounded are adjectives you'd like to use to describe your life moving forward, this episode is for you. So get outside... "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad choice of clothing". Dress Accordingly and enjoy this episode. We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website: https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can find links to articles we researched, items that may be able to purchase, and extras in the form of written word for those of you who like a cup of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find previous podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well as our contact information and various other useful things. The views and opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by us, possible guests, bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord and are not intended to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial 911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support

In this episode, we dive into the wide spectrum of visual arts and a way to utilize it as a Creative Cope during the difficult times. We discuss, drawing, painting, pottery, jewelry making, scrapbooking, resin, and all things arts and crafts. There is a common theme among the health (physical, emotional and mental) benefits of taking part in the world of art: reducing stress, trauma healing, an outlet for aggression, a way to practice mindfulness, grounding for anxiety and panic, PTSD work, regulation of emotions, and decrease in chronic pain.... plus more. Take a walk with us, as we laugh inappropriately through our worlds of chronic, invisible and mental illness while sharing our thoughts and views on using Visual Arts as a Creative Cope. We hope you enjoy the episode and gain another tool for your Warrior Toolbox.  We dive deeper in the blog, Wisdom Walks, on our website: https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast/wisdomwalks. Here you can find links to articles we researched, items that may be able to purchase, and extras in the form of written word for those of you who like a cup of visual to go with your aural input. You can also find previous podcasts at https://creativecopes.wixsite.com/podcast, as well as our contact information and various other useful things. The views and opinions expressed on Creative Copes Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast or the podcast listening platform. Topics and subject matter provided by us, possible guests, bloggers, and/or sponsors are of their own accord and are not intended to offend anyone or anything.  Our content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Please consult your health care professional and/or your closest emergency department. Dial 911 for medical emergencies or 988 for suicide and crisis hotline information (24/7 in the United States). Love and Light ♥ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creative-copes/support