I value health and wellness highly, so I might be biased when I say that health is the most important aspect of our lives.
So, why care for yourself? Apart from extending the length of your life and improving the quality of your life, taking good care of yourself can bring a sense of pleasure, enjoyment, satisfaction, and excitement to your life! It can improve your mental health and give new meaning to your days. Caring for yourself can also teach you to listen to your inner self and recognize the callings or needs of your soul, as our physical and mental health can serve as a window into our internal world.
Addressing hurdles and hiccups on your health journey can be difficult, especially if you lack the proper knowledge or tools. There are a million health care providers out there today; whether you're looking for a dietitian, physical therapist, counselor, personal trainer, health coach, lifestyle medicine provider, acupuncturist, hypnotist, or what have you, there are resources out there, whether in the form of clinic visits or simply the purchasing of a book or viewing of a youtube channel to learn more from an expert opinion (just be mindful of the people who claim to be experts but maybe lack the credentials). On your journey, you will find that some resources are certainly better than others, and it may require some trial and error to find the right providers or resources for you.
I understand that not everyone has access to affordable healthcare. Similarly, not everyone has complete control of their health, especially when dealing with chronic diseases or conditions. But we always have control of our wellness and the choices we make to care for ourselves. Start by asking, "What is the best thing I can do for myself right now?" and begin from there. Continue asking this question throughout the day, and see how it feels to choose what's best for you. If one option for health care is too expensive, look for alternative options or programs to assist in coverage. Continue searching and asking for the right resources; the Universe will guide you.
Over the last several years, I have struggled with various manifestations of my rheumatoid arthritis, leading to flare-ups, tendonitis, and other overuse injuries. All of which have impacted my physical and mental health. When I experienced setbacks, instead of a "slip," I would often "slide," meaning I would throw in the town and let all bad habits win. This made my recovery and getting back on track much more difficult. Over time, my options for exercise became entirely restricted. I didn't want to overdo it, which would lead to significant setbacks overall, sometimes limiting my ability to walk around my home. Still, I also saw that I was barely progressing, just barely maintaining my physical fitness. It wasn't until I met the right physical therapist, and believe me, I have met many, that I found new ways to exercise and push past my pains. I learned what types of pain are harmful and what types mean my nerves have simply been over-conditioned to sense pain. I found ways of managing my strains from home, from restorative yoga to foam rolling and muscle scraping. I also had to look outside Western medicine for answers, trialing acupuncture and cranial sacral therapy. Because I faced barriers, I had to look for new answers, not give up entirely.
If you have hit walls or impossible hurdles to your health, look for someone to help you. No one can do it for you, but you don't have to do it alone. Taking control of your wellness will eventually impact your health, but sometimes, the change can be slow or invisible. Never doubt your efforts.
Your body is a beautiful gift. Caring for it in the best ways possible will open new doors and new insights into your inner world. We all crave acceptance and love, so why not start by giving it to yourself?
