Overcoming the “impossibles”
…because “with God all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26
There have been so many times when I am in physical pain I start to think: “I’m dying”, “I regressed”, “I’m still sick”. Then comes the guilt of being a wellness practitioner, I start to feel, “I’m not good enough”, “I shouldn’t get sick or feel bad anymore because of all these tools and knowledge I have!” or “Maybe I’m not better?” …. these are called Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs). (Another reason for me to not like ANTs! JK bug ants, I know you’re important…) Anyways, these have lessened through the years but they still pop up.
And instead of isolating a simple headache as a headache, or catching the “bug” going around… I have “catastrophized” and made it so much worse.
Does this sound like you, or someone you know? If so here are some things that have helped me…
Tips:
1) Stop. Think. Pray. (it’s a song lol but soooo true!) Stop the negative thinking , try to think from a global perspective and pray for calm. (Proverbs 14:30 - “A calm heart gives life to the body”.)
2) BREATH. Take 3 relaxing breaths. There are several techniques but for “catastrophes” I personally like box breathing.
3) Nap or Shower
A nap is a good reset. You can give your body and mind some time to rest and recalibrate. I know for me personally, I choose to “push through” more than “rest”, (something I’m unlearning) and then I crash because I needed some time for my body to heal.
Showering is a great tool to calm the mind. Let the water wash away your worries.
4) HAPPY food, HAPPY memories, HAPPY show/movie, HAPPY activities
There is something about this that never fails me.
This is a choice I make. A choice to stop “fixing what is broken” and start living.
We were made to experience the joy of living. (read that again)
If we are not experiencing joy, we’re not fully living.
And IDK about you, but I want to fully live and not feel sick.
So, I say again, eat food that makes you happy, think of a memory when you laughed and laughed and laughed, put on a show that makes you smile, or do an activity that helps you feel elated… like tending to your plant babies!
We all have good days and bad days… I hope these tips will help you manage the curve ball health days and knock it out of the park.
With love and gratitude,
Hillary
