As you may know, an MRI scan can go up to 90 minutes and staying inside the MRI scan, still, in a specific position, may seem overwhelming and anxious. The loud noise coming from the machine, the semi-enclosed space, altogether a discomfort, right at its thought!
But, as you are more conscious of the scan process and how the accuracy of the scan would depend on you staying comfortable and easy, you would want to find essential hacks to pass time during the scan without moving or intervening in the process, without stress, and without discomfort. Here’s how you can pass the time and stay positive and calm during the MRI scan.
Hack 1: Breath in… Breath Out…Breath In…
One of the best ways to pass time during an MRI scan is to close your eyes, and practice the basic but most significant breathing technique – breathing in slowly, holding it, and then breathing out slowly; through your nose with a count of four in each step; in a cycle.
This deep and slow breathing exercise, also called box breathing, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting your “fight or flight” response with “rest and digits”. The reduction of stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline) in your body with such exercise is certain to help you stay relaxed and composed and elevate the accuracy rate of the scan.
Hack 2: Daydream Something Worthwhile
Daydreams are not always a waste of time, it’s worth giving the time! Also called the visualization technique, this is another significant approach to pass your time during an MRI; but without tampering with the result accuracy. It’s because all you have to do here is – lie down still, close your eyes, and visualize!
The alternate world can be peaceful and comfortable to you – whether your past memories, a specific event of the present, or a visual trip to the future. It can be any place, any period; anything that you would like to imagine to divert your mind from the noise and the semi-enclosed space.
Hack 3: Count Numbers in Your Head
Another mindful exercise to pursue during an MRI scan to pass time is to count numbers and solve various related mathematical equations. It can be like counting 100 to 1 and then 1 to 100 in a row, adding two digits, then; three digits, and so on, multiplying odd numbers, etc.
Some people even recite poems and chant hymns or prayers to divert their minds from the fear and anticipation of the uncertain scan procedure. It’s basically any deep thinking technique that keeps you centred around positive thoughts.
Hack 4: Get Inquisitive; Find Symphony in The Noise!
Passing time during an MRI scan can involve any thought that can keep you stay comfortable and easy while lying down in a position for so long, hence you can bring out the curious mind in you and think deeply about the noise coming from the machine.
The noise vehemently indicates that the machine is working properly. It comes from the combination of magnetic gradients, switching rapidly, and electric currents, being subsequently created in the coil of the machine at high power and speed. Can you hear the symphony of the vibration – Is it tapping, knocking, or clanging?
Hack 5: Listen to Your Favorite Music If Facilitated
Apart from providing earplugs and noise-cancellation headphones, some MRI centers even offer facilities to listen to music. Usually, you would get guided meditation tracks to hear, but sometimes even your favourite music on the play.
Listening to music can help you avoid the noise from reaching your ears and doze off to sleep, at times. You can ask for blankets if you want and enjoy the music like you do when on your own bed. This would help you stay more relaxed and calm, empowering the MRI technician to attain image accuracy faster than before.
Hack 6: Be The Talkative One, the MRI Technician Will Guide
Talking would no way intervene in the way of the scan and you can feel free to talk your heart out to avoid the fear of uncertainty. The MRI technician would communicate with you constantly, not just to give you instructions on the positioning and movements but also to clear your queries and give you immediate attention any moment you feel discomfort.
There would be an intercom system attached to the MRI bed and you can tap on the button to talk to the MRI technician anytime you want! It would make you feel that you are not alone there; you have someone to bank on!
Hack 7: Indulge in Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Last but not least, indulging in progressive muscle relaxation exercises can help you pass the time during the MRI with ease and comfort. Yes. you can mentally perform muscle relaxation without moving.
The idea is to target the specific muscle groups, be it the feet and toes, lower legs, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, chest, arms, or neck, tense them for 5 to 10 seconds, and release the tension. Now hold the relaxation state for about 15 to 20 seconds and start it again! It’s how you can pass the time, moving from one muscle group to another, and staying relaxed and focused.
Wrapping Up:
While the above-listed hacks are the most significant ones that have helped many patients to efficiently pursue an MRI scan over the years, they are not the only way.
You can apply your individual relaxation techniques too to avoid situations of anxiety during the scan and pass your time comfortably. That’s how the lengthy MRI experience would be bearable and positive for your early diagnosis and treatment.
Your MRI experience can be more hassle-free when you get your health condition diagnosed from a certified MRI lab with advanced infrastructure and a specialized radiology team.
To book your MRI scan appointment from one such lab in Chandigarh, do not hesitate to hit www.mrichandigarh.com.
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