Relax With RLS?

The whole world seems to be slowly heading towards a world of zen-like bliss. Whenever you mention you are having a rough time, the answer that heads in your direction at 1000 miles per hour is: Chill, relax. There's no need to stress.

As more people are working from home, the general dynamic in a home has changed dramatically. Maybe 3 days out of 5, dad looks after the kids whilst mum spends all day on Zoom calls. The world is evolving – is that necessarily a good thing?

How can we possibly relax?

Suffering with restless legs syndrome (RLS) can stop you from being a valued part of society unless someone wants a jittery-legged night security guard! It definitely does not stop you from being a valued human being with all your quirks and foibles – the world is better for you being here!

How do we relax when our legs think we are in the Riverdance chorus?

I am hoping to buy a jet-induced foot spa at some point soon! They say that feet are the route to all our happiness. Well, as it goes, they're right!

Acupuncture gave me some relief

Acupuncture can feel like bliss when you suffer from pain or RLS! One little needle gently placed in a strategic spot, and all pain and/or creepy leg sensation disappears. I have never slept so well after I had a session of acupuncture. It was available on the NHS in England; alas it hasn't been for some time due to cuts to our services.

When will RLS get more attention?

I am no nearer to what we could do on the "I hate RLS" picket line than I was when I started. As it is deemed a neurological condition, nobody wants to discuss how they can help us, as there are so many other conditions vowing for space. Whilst we are still one of the menial conditions, we will still spend years, or maybe decades, in a looping pattern.

Flying popcorn in the cinema

RLS and the cinema are things that don't mix! I once went to see Magnolia with Tom Cruise. The gentleman I was with wanted me to put my legs up across his lap. As it was a date at the time, I thought I would oblige. 15 minutes into the film, my legs did a huge jolt and the popcorn went flying into the air! Luckily, he laughed.

Not everyone can do yoga

Yoga is supposed to help ease our RLS symptoms somewhat. I don't know about you, but I am less than bendy at this stage of my life. I am liable to crack and shatter all over the place! Additionally, suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, my downward dog would be a lot more flatulent than maybe others might like!

Do you have any words of wisdom?

Those of you who suffer from additional conditions on top of your RLS, can you impart any wisdom on how to relax during the day after a historically horrid night before? I am sure one answer is to sleep it off. If we can ever leave the house, what else do you suggest?

Has anybody tried exercise to rid yourself of your RLS? I am hoping to find out if this works as soon as I can. Being a larger-than-life character can be tiresome sometimes!