I'm really feeling an urge to write right now, but I'm not exactly sure what about....
This blog has been a form of self therapy for me, so I think the slight decline in posts (or less frequent posts) could be a good sign...maybe there's a little less emotional/physical turmoil going on inside me, and therefore not as much to write out.
The last few weeks have been so busy and high stress. Sickness, vacation, things breaking... I felt like I was stay on top of it for awhile but then I hit a tipping point and started reacting physically to the stress. I woke up with a tight neck a few days before our vacation and it took two days and two chiropractor appointments and a lot of icing and massaging to loosen it up.
I have noticed that I do not react physically to stress the way that I used to. I can tolerate it a lot longer and don't hold as much inside as I did before. "Before" I guess meaning before NAET/NET treatments. I have learned to have a different perspective and let things go better and faster. But sometimes, when it feels like there's no break, no reprieve, my body gets overloaded and I have a flare up. I feel like I can actually feel when there is a high level of inflammation inside.
So, what to do when this happens?
Pray. Sometimes I'm specific and sometimes the best prayer is just "give me what I stand in need of Lord." He knows.
Breathe; deeply, slowly, in through the nose, out through the mouth.
Remember: This too shall pass.
Ask, "What else is possible?" and "What would be helpful for me right now?"
Cry if needed. I think that crying is usually viewed negatively, unless say, you're at a funeral or something. "Grownups don't cry. Babies cry." Right? But really, crying is just an expression of a range of emotions. It's a wonderful way to release those feelings you're feeling, whether it's in the moment or you've been bottling them up for awhile. Crying is ok. Crying is good actually, if that's what you need to do. I think we would all be a lot happier if we were a little more free in letting the tears fall when they wanted to. I cry a lot more than I used to. Not necessarily quantity wise, but more often. I cry at weddings, I cry when I see babies, I cry after (or even during) doctor/acupuncture/NAET/chiropractor appointments. I cry when friends offer to help me, or when I read a quote that really resonates with me. I cry in the car. I cry in the shower. (not for no reason)
I cry when I look at this amazing world God made. I cry when I remember everything I've been through, mostly because I can see God's hand in it. So cry if you feel like it.
I like to take a look at my diet and try to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and supplements. Wild blueberry, turmeric, bone broth, greens, fish and herbal teas are good. Focus on whole foods.
Working out the right way is helpful too. Yoga is nice and calming, but you can also do a more vigorous exercise routine as long as you don't overexert yourself. I find doing five minute bursts of moderate/high cardio throughout the day to be very mood and energy boosting.
Things like acupuncture or chiropractor or massage can be very good for reducing inflammation and stress. Sometimes it's not always possible to go right away, but remember to make yourself a priority too. You only get one body and everyone benefits when you feel your best. Do what you need to do,
Another way to reduce inflammation is spending time in nature. Its scientifically proven to "rewire your brain" and lower your stress level. And its free!
Snuggling/hugging/kissing; all these things boost your oxytocin which lowers stress. Non-scientifically, they just feel good and make you feel loved and happy. :)
Doing something for someone else can also reduce stress, thus lowering inflammatory response. It might seem a little odd if you're feeling burnt out already, but giving voluntarily can help take your focus off yourself and reward you with the knowledge of bringing joy to others. I find that depression really wants to sneak up on me when I'm dealing with higher inflammation, but if you can see that you are bringing joy to others, it makes you feel useful, valuable, and happy.
It's so hard when things get to that out of control, going under, downward spiral place. But you can make it through. You can ride it out. It takes some self awareness and practice, and a whole lot of grace, but you can do it.
"...Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace." (John 1:16)
"Grace for grace"; grace upon grace, grace to grace. In Him, we are enough. You are strong enough. There is no lapse in this grace, no limit to it, and no cost but acceptance.
I don't always feel strong enough. I feel my weaknesses in a more specific way now....now that we've calmed down a lot of the extended symptoms, I can pinpoint weak spots. But Christ says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
So take a deep breathe and pray.
Things aren't always easy or rosy, but He has promised strength for the day.
*It is well with my soul*
This blog has been a form of self therapy for me, so I think the slight decline in posts (or less frequent posts) could be a good sign...maybe there's a little less emotional/physical turmoil going on inside me, and therefore not as much to write out.
The last few weeks have been so busy and high stress. Sickness, vacation, things breaking... I felt like I was stay on top of it for awhile but then I hit a tipping point and started reacting physically to the stress. I woke up with a tight neck a few days before our vacation and it took two days and two chiropractor appointments and a lot of icing and massaging to loosen it up.
I have noticed that I do not react physically to stress the way that I used to. I can tolerate it a lot longer and don't hold as much inside as I did before. "Before" I guess meaning before NAET/NET treatments. I have learned to have a different perspective and let things go better and faster. But sometimes, when it feels like there's no break, no reprieve, my body gets overloaded and I have a flare up. I feel like I can actually feel when there is a high level of inflammation inside.
So, what to do when this happens?
Pray. Sometimes I'm specific and sometimes the best prayer is just "give me what I stand in need of Lord." He knows.
Breathe; deeply, slowly, in through the nose, out through the mouth.
Remember: This too shall pass.
Ask, "What else is possible?" and "What would be helpful for me right now?"
Cry if needed. I think that crying is usually viewed negatively, unless say, you're at a funeral or something. "Grownups don't cry. Babies cry." Right? But really, crying is just an expression of a range of emotions. It's a wonderful way to release those feelings you're feeling, whether it's in the moment or you've been bottling them up for awhile. Crying is ok. Crying is good actually, if that's what you need to do. I think we would all be a lot happier if we were a little more free in letting the tears fall when they wanted to. I cry a lot more than I used to. Not necessarily quantity wise, but more often. I cry at weddings, I cry when I see babies, I cry after (or even during) doctor/acupuncture/NAET/chiropractor appointments. I cry when friends offer to help me, or when I read a quote that really resonates with me. I cry in the car. I cry in the shower. (not for no reason)
I cry when I look at this amazing world God made. I cry when I remember everything I've been through, mostly because I can see God's hand in it. So cry if you feel like it.
I like to take a look at my diet and try to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and supplements. Wild blueberry, turmeric, bone broth, greens, fish and herbal teas are good. Focus on whole foods.
Working out the right way is helpful too. Yoga is nice and calming, but you can also do a more vigorous exercise routine as long as you don't overexert yourself. I find doing five minute bursts of moderate/high cardio throughout the day to be very mood and energy boosting.
Things like acupuncture or chiropractor or massage can be very good for reducing inflammation and stress. Sometimes it's not always possible to go right away, but remember to make yourself a priority too. You only get one body and everyone benefits when you feel your best. Do what you need to do,
Another way to reduce inflammation is spending time in nature. Its scientifically proven to "rewire your brain" and lower your stress level. And its free!
Snuggling/hugging/kissing; all these things boost your oxytocin which lowers stress. Non-scientifically, they just feel good and make you feel loved and happy. :)
Doing something for someone else can also reduce stress, thus lowering inflammatory response. It might seem a little odd if you're feeling burnt out already, but giving voluntarily can help take your focus off yourself and reward you with the knowledge of bringing joy to others. I find that depression really wants to sneak up on me when I'm dealing with higher inflammation, but if you can see that you are bringing joy to others, it makes you feel useful, valuable, and happy.
It's so hard when things get to that out of control, going under, downward spiral place. But you can make it through. You can ride it out. It takes some self awareness and practice, and a whole lot of grace, but you can do it.
"...Of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace." (John 1:16)
"Grace for grace"; grace upon grace, grace to grace. In Him, we are enough. You are strong enough. There is no lapse in this grace, no limit to it, and no cost but acceptance.
I don't always feel strong enough. I feel my weaknesses in a more specific way now....now that we've calmed down a lot of the extended symptoms, I can pinpoint weak spots. But Christ says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
So take a deep breathe and pray.
Things aren't always easy or rosy, but He has promised strength for the day.
*It is well with my soul*
Love this Kayla. I can defiantly relate.
ReplyDeleteLove, Heather