Seven Steps
Hello lovely, I hope you're well?
Fortunately after 10 years of ups and downs with my health I've found the following seven steps have massively helped my own wellness and recovery, so I'm pleased I can guide you to help you find yours too, for those times when you aren't feeling so fabulous yourself either.
Today I'll introduce the seven steps and I'll provide further tips and tricks in the future, such as recipes and exercises, which will help you choose what's best for you.
So, are you ready? Good, let's dive straight in!
1. Nutrition & Hydration
Have you heard the expression 'you are what you eat'? I believe this to be so true and I also believe the expression 'food is fuel' is true because when you're feeling 'unwell' it is vital that you feed your body nutritious meals and drinks which help your body to work at its optimal levels. You can make delicious and nutritious meals, juices and smoothies with some simple planning and all in just minutes not hours, phew right?
Also, planning and eating nutritious meals and drinks will make you feel good, not slow and sluggish so you can goodbye to brain fog, and hello to healthy skin! And PLEASE don't forget water!!!...it is vital for your 'vital' organs which make your body function and recover faster too.
So, what are you going to throw in your casserole, soup or smoothie this week?
2. Exercise and Breathing
Do you ever feel like you can't get out of bed because you are just so unwell, fatigued or burned out, and your body actually has real aches and pains that you can't alleviate? Well there is one simple answer...exercise!
I understand exercise might be the last thing you want to do when you feel unwell but the benefits are countless because 'movement is medicine' and the endorphins from movement are proven to have healing effects.
Exercise comes in so many forms and can be done in ways like never before...you can begin in your own home with some simple stretches and body conditioning exercises, you can dance and you can walk, jog or run.
If it's been a while just start with some gentle exercise to reawaken your body and this will lead to so much more, before long you'll see an increase in your strength and stamina and your breathing will improve, which does wonders to help rid you of any anxiety and you might make new friends too, even with your amazing instructor!
Now decide! What exercise and meditation are you committing to today?
3. Sleep and Rest
Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
During and after any health issues you must rest your body as much as you because its critical to helping it heal, and sleeping well allows your body to restore and rejuvenate itself. Naps really work wonders too, I live by them!
Plan your sleeping patters because when you commit to your chosen timings your cognitive skills and coping skills will vastly improve the following day, making all the difference to your mood and emotions. Make your bedroom a relaxing haven as well, with scented candles or oil burners and remember lavender is a natural remedy that can help you drift off that little bit easier.
Another benefit of good sleep and resting your body is you'll find it easier to exercise because you'll have more energy and remember to rest well after exercising because your body and your brain need to recover between sessions for you to get stronger and stronger.
So, what are you going to do to prioritise and enjoy your sleep and rest?
4. Relationships and Boundaries
When you and your body are going through a healing process you need to ensure that the people who are surrounding you have your best interests at heart. Relationships are a huge factor for your wellness and recovery and you must decide who brings you joy, and who doesn't even if it's just for the present time.
YOU can choose to surround yourself with positive people and you can also choose to step back from relationships which are not conducive to your mental, physical and emotional health. You don't need to have any conflict, you can just quietly step back and the people that you want to be around you and who are meant to be in your life will step forward.
Deciding and defining your own boundaries are crucial for maintaining your wellness and so it's important to become comfortable with the word 'no'...you CAN say it! I found it difficult at first but it gets easier and your confidence will increase as you take more control over who and what you allow into your life during your time of healing.
Are there certain people you need to say both yes and no to support your wellness?
5. Career and Purpose
It's HARD when your health interferes with your career!! However, being confronted with health challenges might cause you to stop or pause for a while and make some positive changes.
Your health is your priority and you can only put other things before it for so long. You might love your job and have a good income but please remember that you can find another job but you can't find another body, so listen to it while you can and bear in mind that wise old saying that 'prevention is better than cure'.
Also, this might this actually be the perfect time to discover what your real purpose is and find a new future role...sometimes life-changing situations can be the greatest catalyst for change.
So, pause and ask yourself if you need to consider giving your body a break before it breaks you and are you living your true purpose? (Writing your answers down works wonders!)
6. Spirituality and Self-Belief
I understand that with any major health condition you have probably asked 'why me?' For me personally, with a Christian faith I drew my strength from God during particularly dark times. I think that all faiths encourage us to look for a higher power and this faith can be healing in itself.
During these times it's easy to become fearful and anxious but its also the perfect time to for you to reconnect with your chosen power and find inner peace with your own, preferred practices of prayer or meditation. All faiths seem to point to the same conclusion that there is a purpose for your pain and very often it is to help and serve others when you are recovered and ready to.
In time you'll realise how much stronger you are than you thought and you will recognise that you can overcome anything the future throws at you. After all, you are a victorious warrior and an absolute hero who can survive anything!
What prayers or practices help you stay strong, peaceful and calm?
7. Hobbies and Wellbeing
One of the greatest parts of your wellness and recovery is doing things you love with the people you love, its a simple as that!
We are all unique in our preferences, desires and gifts and when you reconnect with what sparks joy in your life you will feel like a different person!
Find time to do activities that are fun and raise your spirits as well as things that relax you too, that you can do mindfully like baking or gardening which are great ways to reduce anxiety and depression.
It may seem tiring or overwhelming initially but you will soon rediscover the old you and do all the things you once loved. In fact, you might prefer the new you and your improved life, which you have redesigned just the way you want it.
What can you plan into your weekly schedule to ignite you and calm you too?
Well, I hope you have found some inspiration from this which introduces you to the idea that you can take seven steps to find your very own personal wellness and recovery.
Have a lovely week filled with happiness, health and healing!
Lucy x