I will be the first to admit that I think that my body can do it all. I am young, relatively fit, have a profession in which I am constantly on my feet for 10 to 12 hours and can push through physical pain and stress.
And up unto my recent health scare, I was okay with pressing through the pain constantly. I was worried of appearing weak and a baby, like girl you are a nurse – you can’t be weak, your patients and coworkers need you!
And there lies the problem – well many problems, but that’s a whole another topic, so I’ll focus on lack of self care for your physical. The problem of pushing past when your body is signaling that it is pushed beyond its limit and it needs some attention is so so dangerous. You are only hurting yourself more than anything and you deserve to live and thrive even if as I like to say, “Life is gonna life”.
As a nurse, I am ashamed to say that I’ve know better, but your girl didn’t often do better. *Gives self a hug – I’m learning* I’ve lived with the mantra of “you just gotta do what you gotta do by whatever means possible” and we sleep when we die. (Have mercy!!).
However in the past year, my body gave me NOT A SINGLE choice in the matter.
In this year of 2020, on top of the pandemic unfolding – my body finally spoke up, broke down and said, “GIRL, I cannot do whatever you gotta to do, I am going to break down – matter of fact we already here, slow DOWN baby girl, like please slow down because I am working overtime to keep you going, and if I go, you go with me too!” Talk about a reality check. There’s not much you can do when your body goes on strike and you HAVE to rest. Le BIG SIGH.
After a series of ER visits & scans, a good amount of unintentional weight loss, a load of prescription drugs around the clock and a terrifying procedure during the pandemic – my world shook and realigned for me. Not only was it scary waiting and praying through the unknown – it was terrifying having to go through procedures and visits alone due to the pandemic. 0/10 – wouldn’t recommend! Lol.
I also sadly realized we each are gifted with one body and how we handle it – is such an incredible personal responsibility along with a special message. A message that has and will continue to resonate with how I will forever move on this earth.
The message? “Keep your wellness a top priority.” A girl cannot work tirelessly and close her ears to her body and mind signals. Grinding with no sleep, no intentional rest, no recovery is not the move anymore. Rest and recover is where it really is!
I don’t share this for sympathy but as a strong urge, a PSA even to really really take into consideration how you take care of yourself, before it’s unfortunately too late – we won’t be young forever. We need our health as much anything else in this world.
So, what now? Where do I go from here? Wellll, I’ve been working on starting a new lifestyle as a renewed busy bee – more of a renewed present bee.
Some things I’ve been doing to better care for my health:
- Having an actual bedtime routine including finding the right sheets and bedding that keep my cool and comfortable for a better night’s rest.
- Winding down at least an hour before my actual goal bedtime.
- Resting and sleeping when I’m tired instead of pushing through whatever tasks lie ahead.
- Finding the water brand I like and drinking more!
- Working on being honest with myself with things that don’t struck well with me mentally ; mental stressors play a huge role in physical manifestations.
- Recognizing that stress can have a direct influence on symptoms and exacerbations, so to focus on the things I can control.
- Eating and researching the power of foods to better my microbiome.
- Therapy!
- Forcing mediation into my daily/weekly routine so I can stay grounded and reminded of my new health practices.
Let me know in the comments, how do you take care of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self? What are your go to routines when you’re sick or know it’s time for a rested break? I hope you are resting – it’s so necessary – even if guilt lurks around. Stay safe and well.
