So here we are, it’s January 2011, another New Year…and every year it seems the same; wherever we turn, we are surrounded by magazines filled with articles on diets and resolutions, newspaper columns on how to quit this and give up that, television programs telling us how we can do it all, and our own minds swimming with plans to exercise more, get healthier and all the diets, resolutions, and quitting we have been bombarded with!
Though I do have to agree that New Year is the perfect time to make amends for all the wrong doings during the festive season- the few extra kilos to our weight from over indulging, the headaches on those mornings after, and just that general feeling of “blah and fatigue” after a month or so of too much good spirit with our families and friends.
Yes, the New Year offers us a great opportunity to start afresh.
However I’m not a big fan of the resolution, in fact the last resolution I made; several years ago, was to never make another resolution again!
Resolutions seem they are bound to be broken- and within only a few days or weeks of being made at that, no matter how good the original intentions!
So this year, as I found myself feeling “blah and fatigued” after an actually fairly relaxed though naturally active and full festive period, I decided I would have a New Year Evolution in place of the Resolution!
It came about as I was walking past a local health food shop that had a sign out the front advertising their “Festive Fatigue Buster Package”- Olive Leaf Extract, Tresos B PluSe and CO-Enzyme Q10…I thought I can do that- because in fact I have all 3 at home already. Instead of being tempted by the ridiculously expensive detox packages that are about everywhere at this time of year, I will go back to my own cupboards, my own tried and tested supplements, it’s simple, already there… in fact I obviously had once planned to regularly take this stuff, which I do kind-of do, but I will start up again, and stick to it…3 things, easy.
I live in Queensland, Australia and our worst floods in 100 years have recently hit local areas.
So I have been given the perfect opportunity to cleanse our home. I am going through all our cupboards and shelves so we can donate toys, clothes, linen, shoes, kitchenware; whatever we have that we can give to those who lost everything.
What a wonderful reason to get rid of all our clutter.
And anyone in Australia has the opportunity to do this right now- actually wherever you are, you are able to find a worthy charity to give to, take that opportunity and cleanse your home, for your New Year Evolution!
Make it a New Year Evolution action every year; perfect timing after the new Christmas gifts your family has received.
There will be no more Spring Cleaning for me, from now on it will be known as the New Year Evolution House Cleanse.
OK, so I am really getting into my New Year Evolution way of thinking now…and I come across a piece that says something like this “Imagine if every morning when you woke, you decided on one thing you could do that would improve your life, and you would stick to it” Wow! Yep, I can do that, in my sleepy moments, when I adore laying for just a moment longer in the mornings, I use the time to think of one thing that will improve my life…I have been thinking the same thing each morning since reading this, and so far it is working fine, it helps me focus on that one small thing that I have decided to do to improve my life.
Very simple, very powerful, very evolutionary.
Very similarly, is deciding to make a small change in one area.
A friend was telling me of her new decision, that when she indulges in her much loved treat of a fast food hit, she now just gets the burger, and no longer has the fries and soft drink. So she is still getting her treat and doesn’t feel like she is missing out, but has cut her fast food hit in half. We can’t always be perfect, and we should be able to enjoy our not-so-good treats too, but we can make small changes to these habits to improve them.
Change from Milk Chocolate to Organic Dark- you definitely can’t eat as much in one go, and I can highly recommend the chilli flavoured ones.
Swap one television program a week for an hour of reading.
Substitute every second cigarette for a glass of water, or a 5-minute walk around the block.
Struggling for family time, make Friday night Game night, and choose just one game to play.
Small changes are small steps. Made daily, not in the future, and not by saying, “That’s it, I’m completely giving up junk food!”
At this time of year, whilst I am on my simple Evolution movement, I will also take the opportunity to let go of the past.
We all have people; experiences and memories that we need to let go of- to cleanse our lives and minds from.
Take the New Year to release yourself of these.
This is something I have come up with that has helped me to do exactly this:
Sometimes the answer is that there is no answer.
Sometimes my truth is not going to be what someone else’s truth is.
Sometimes closure will not be given from another, and must be found within oneself.
And I will never be able to logically figure out something that I see as illogical.
Resolutions are hard to achieve, as they are set in the future, they don’t usually have a real plan- just a statement; I’m going to exercise more, they are “big” and when the motivation wears off, they are bound to fail.
An Evolution is about making small conscience steps, daily. Making changes that you know will improve your life. Accepting that you cant do it all at once, but you can be aware of what needs to improve, and can be changed. An Evolution does not need to start on January 1st every year, but can be with you all year.
An Evolution is Simpler. And there doesn’t have to be failure, just moving forward
So discover your own New Year Evolution!
Viva the Evolution.
Viva the beautiful life
suzy x
Showing posts with label Exhaustion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exhaustion. Show all posts
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, June 18, 2009
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
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
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