What is your body asking for?

When we wrote our first blog I mentioned that 3 years ago, when I started on this path, I found myself, among other things, mentally and physically exhausted.

I struggled along with it like many, many of you do. I heard the comments coming from all of you, I’m sooo tired, I’m bushed, I’m worn out...I remember my sister answering my “I’m so tired”, with “I’ve been tired since the day I left the hospital with my first child”. So I continued on, thinking everybody feels like this, just get on with it, in the typical woman’s way, what else was I to do?

About 2 years ago it became obvious what I was dealing with was more severe than I had realized. When both my mother and sister pointed out to me that yes, we girls do get tired, but it wasn’t quite so normal for me to be going to bed with the kids, exhausted at 7pm. Getting up after 10 hours sleep- exhausted. Having a glass of wine to prop myself up enough to be bothered talking to anyone, sleeping during the day, and just really struggling with my tiredness.

I started looking into it, getting treatments from various alternative practitioners, and getting the same explanation, my body was exhausted and stressed, but not really any answers. Then a naturopath finally said it...you have chronic fatigue. After spending almost $1000 on the visit, tests and medications that day, I left her office miserable (and broke), sat in my car and cried my eyes out.

The last 18 months I have really researched this thing called chronic fatigue. It is something which the medical guys don’t have an answer for; it has only been described by American scientists as recently as 1988. I have dealt with physical pain issues for 20 years, I am experienced enough to know you have to look around to find what works for you with any type of treatment. I am going to share with you, some of the stuff that has worked for me.

Firstly, a few of my thoughts on fatigue. I feel it comes from many sources, chronic pain is a definite one for me, the hangover of having infants- it takes a long time to catch up on all that missed sleep, stress, attempting to do it all . I also think the toxins we are taking in every day, in every way, are a part of it too. I feel its hit and miss, we all feel different levels. For some it is chronic fatigue, and other’s the general constant tiredness one feels.

So, my tips are-

When I was first diagnosed, I went on the, “spending loads, altering me, and freaking out frenzy” that one does. I tried to cut out as many toxins as possible; I bought all my make up, skin products and hair dye from the Health Food shop. I still try and use a fair amount of these, but the ones I didn’t like went by the wayside, and I would say; now I have a happy medium.
It is good to know how many toxins are in every thing we use, from health and beauty, to cleaning, and of course food. Now we can even get hold of preservative free Vodka and Wine! Become aware of the things you may want to change, and try to minimize toxins where you can.

Medicating. There are so many great supplements, vitamins, homeopathic, minerals...the list goes on. I would never recommend buying everything every one tells you, it is expensive, and can never be up kept. I have cut down greatly. Some were doing the same job, some were unnecessary and of course some have made a huge difference.
I think the best thing I have done is find a female Doctor/Naturopath (luckily for me she is just across the road-thank you Universe!) She specializes in issues of women’s fatigue and hormone imbalances. She is able to give me the best advice from both medical and natural science, I think this is important. No one way is the right or wrong way, when dealing with something as life altering as fatigue. Take on board what every one says, and use what works for you.
But if you do suffer from severe fatigue, do see someone, and do take something...there is a better kind of normal.

My 3 favorite things, Water, Green Tea, and a Slow Cooker!
I have been drinking a litre of water as soon as I wake up, quickly, on an empty stomach for 15 months now, and I know it has become a life habit.
It will help you with many complaints, constipation, extra weight, aches and pains and most importantly, hydrate you. I prefer filtered water; there is really no point in downing a litre if it is full of chemicals and toxins. It has to be room temperature or warm, not cold. Try it, after a month you will see the benefits...you will be going to the bathroom a lot too. I also try and drink another 1 to 2 litres of water during the day, a little harder in winter, but I do the best I can. We forget that water is the elixir of life, our bodies are over 90 per cent water, if we are thirsty, we are tired. The first signs of dehydration can present themselves as hunger...so drink! Your body will say thank you!

Green Tea- Chronic stress and toxic substances weaken our immune system, allowing viruses in our body to adversely affect us. Many studies have shown that green tea can slow down viral growth and improve the immune system. When the immune system functions well it keeps the viruses under control and we remain healthy, feel better...less tired! Another little bonus, the caffeine in Green Tea is linked to tannic acid, and causes a mild but lasting reduction in fatigue. Green Tea is full of antioxidants, and that’s a good thing for our bodies, on all levels.
I personally find that green tea cleanses my palate after a meal; I have read that it aids with digestion and metabolism, and I believe it helps with maintaining a healthy weight. I like to have one after every meal.

Slow Cooker- find ways that make everyday jobs quick and easy, simplifying life will give you a break. For me it is the slow cooker, dinner is on first thing in the morning, the food is healthy, and my “no meat eater” likes it, as does my” no veggie eater”! Something to be said for that! Simple. Find something that works for you.

Whether it is a rest, a nap or meditating; when you can, take some time for yourself. I am a big fan of the nap! A study on a comparison of 3 people who had not slept for a night confirmed this. One stayed awake all the next day, one slept for an hour and one had a 20 minute nap. Then they completed a series of tests, the 20 minute napper came out on top. 20 minutes is enough time to refresh you, however an hour crosses over into the next sleep phase, and when woken disrupts the cycle again, so you remain exhausted.
Lie down, set your inner alarm, and give yourself a 20 minute power nap. Most of us can manage this (I have even done it in lunch breaks!)

Most importantly give your fatigue space, accept it, and give yourself a break. If you are constantly getting around with the mantra, “gees I’m tired, I’m so tired, godamn I’m tired” and remind yourself (and everyone around you!) that you are really tired, what do you expect to feel!
Give it space, think about it, feel it, accept it is there, ask yourself, will I survive this, will I get through this, yes you will, move on and get on with your day. You will find when you stop obsessing about it, and have accepted it, you will not feel as tired...amazing! (And it works!)

Be a friend to yourself, stop requiring perfection. Break down tasks into smaller more manageable lots and don’t sweat the small stuff.

We have to be gentle to ourselves. We have to accept how we feel, allow it, and stop making it our enemy. We have to listen to what our body is asking for, nourishment, hydration, rest, help. Be aware.

Be kind to you, love you...you’re worth it.

suzy x