Tag: self-care

Diet

What are you feeding on? Yeah, no, not going into a post about Nutrition although We Need Food I’m talking about what are you feeding your brain?

PTSD has “a mind of its own” and can be pretty chaotic, however, I’m continuing to learn (key) that if I’m gorging on “negativity” this adds to the mess. Being off social media was a prescriptive-order from my therapist. I honestly didn’t think “it” a problem. However, as I was being inundated by news of people ending their life, I can now say this wasn’t helping my already ongoing thoughts of ending mine.

When my daughter passed away, I went on a reading binge about people who had lost loved ones. Now, there is a time for all things and it was good for a time, but a constant preoccupation with the subject keeps me STUCK on death with no space for living. I’m currently in a place where I can dimly see that this not only hurts me but also hurts those that are left behind. Now, was this a purposeful action? NOPE! However, it was happening and I’m aware of it, now.

Back when I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia I remember being so desperate for information that I was reading everything about the subject. Goodness, was this a downer. Am I saying you don’t educate yourself? Not, in the least. All I’m saying is that I was borrowing from tomorrow and forgetting about today. And, for some reason I was focusing on the worst case scenarios. Something about my brain that does that.

Anywho, I desire to choose wisely what goes into my brain. My Frail Frame needs to be cared for as a whole. My brain needs a healthy diet as well. Am I saying I’ll never read the ugly? Nope! Just not obsessing with it. Am I going to live with my head on the clouds? Nope, but a bit of an aerial look never hurt anyone. Is this life all their is? Nope, but I’d be foolish to not enjoy the beauty of today.

My mind is a beautiful, intricate part of my whole being. Choosing to care for it well.

 

 

Nutrition

We love our food. Heck, I think everybody loves Mexican food (🐿 How did Taco Bell get them votes? Fake-news!!!). Once upon a time I was seeing a Nutritionist. When it came to food choices I told him, “Dr. T, my problem is not fast food. My problem is my own food.” One tostada or taco just won’t do. Portion control was the plan.

Ideally, your nutrition should be provided by your food. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all. There can be varying illnesses, digestive issues, aging, etc. that can hamper this process. It’s a constant learning and relearning. Learn to know and listen to your body. Be open to change. There are no fad-diets, magic juices or fat-blasting-pills that work as magical as it is advertised. Your eating may change or be adjusted accordingly. I remember, I long, long time ago, I tried these pills. I was so excited that I had finally found “the-cure-all”. Picture the energizer bunny on speed. The good thing is that it was “legal” speed(haha!). Then there was this “miracle-juice” that my budget just couldn’t keep up. I’ve also tried, all raw; juicing, all salads, etc., etc. OMG, I remember even trying this magical-lose-10lbs-in-3-days-diet. I gag just thinking about it. My husband and I did it together. He lost 15lbs., I lost 5lbs. I was angry. He was oblivious.

learn what YOUR body needs

Take into consideration your likes and dislikes; your budget; your family dynamics. Can you maintain it? Do you need to tweek it? It’s a lifetime decision. Don’t set yourself up for failure.

Feed it wisely. Feed it like you like it. Feed it like you want it to last. Feed it like you care. Balance is key. Starvation and/or Gluttony is mistreatment of the gift you have been given.

My Frail Frame needs to be cared for Spiritually and with the nutrition it needs.

Body ~ Mind ~ Soul ~ Spirit

⇒Caring for the Whole Person⇐

Spiritually

Yikes, yes, I am venturing into an area that can be extremely touchy. However, it is needed. My Frail Frame is made up of many components. I am a whole person. Therefore, self-care needs to be exercised in all areas. If my vertical relationship is off, my horizontal relationships are off as well. If I believe that I’ve been entrusted with a precious gift (my body) then, I will be motivated to care for it. If I value what I’ve been given, then I will do my best to take care of it – consistency, NOT perfection.

For me, the “core” of my being is my relationship with God. Everything else hinges on this. So, before I venture into my exercise (physical) routine (future post), I will tell you what I do to “maintain” my spirit and soul.

I read. My Bible and all kinds of books, from all over the place. Since my daughter went to heaven, I’ve been reading books written by bereaved parents and books on pain and suffering. My brain can get chaotic at times, so I’ve incorporated audio books.

I pray. I meditate. I might fall asleep, I might space out, I might be all over the place, but I “purposely” set aside time for this. For meditation, I’ve incorporated guided meditations I found on the internet. The place varies, because I’m just all over the place lately. I also found a “show” (not sure how to call it), that plays soft music as I watch beautiful scenic pictures. I have found this incredibly soothing.

I go to church. My husband and I attend church on Sundays (sometimes we miss, that’s just life). For us, it feels like a “reset button” on the week.

I listen to music. At home or at the gym. Sometimes, I need to hear music that gives me hope and centers my attention on things above. Sometimes, I simply need soothing instrumental music to wash over me.

I journal. A thought. A reminder. Something to “meditate”. A promise. Pouring out my thoughts. Pouring out my laments. Pouring out my joys.

Things change. Schedule varies. Mind goes bonkers. Whatever…nothing is set in stone. Change is inevitable. Not a checklist, just what helps me.

Body ~ Mind ~ Soul ~ Spirit

⇒Caring for the Whole Person⇐