This post will be different from all the other posts I have written in the past. This year (2021) has led me on a journey, and I am only just beginning!! I have started to do things that I have NEVER done before. I feel like I am on the path to "self discovery." I am truly learning the importance of taking care of myself on ALL levels. In the past, I have done small adjustments but never fully committed to going ALL IN. In this post I will explain what I am learning as I walk down this path of Self Discovery.
I had a health scare earlier this year and it honestly caused me to wake up. It heightened my senses to see all of the things I did on a daily/weekly/monthly basis that had a negative impact on my body. Yes, I make look ok on the outside, but what about the inside? How is my immune system, how are my organs, how are my muscles and bones? These are things we do not think about, until we have a health scare. I talked to health professionals to see what changes I needed to make, and educated myself. Anything I mention below you can do research for yourself.
Toxic Products- Once I started reading the labels of things that I was putting on myself daily, it honestly scared me. The chemicals in products seep into your skin and go into your bloodstream. Educating myself on this topic made me do research to look for all natural products. I no longer wear nail polish at all, I changed up my toothpaste, my hair products, my skin care products, deodorant, etc. This is a small change, but to me it was important. Once you educate yourself, you are called to do action. I was not going to sit back and continue to lather my body with chemicals. ( I do not wear makeup during the day, I let my skin breathe and I love being natural). I will only put on mascara, eyeshadow and lip gloss if I have a special occasion. 90% of the time I am all natural. :)
No Alcohol- I took the time and studied the liver, and the process of what happens to the liver when you drink alcohol. I learned about (NAFLD) and (ARLD). I learned about how alcohol affects other organs in the body. After understanding what I was doing to myself after every time I have a drink, I realized I was only doing harm to my body. I realized that I needed to cut ALL Alcohol out of my life. I need to build my organs up, not tear them down.
Healthy Foods- I realized what processed foods/ high sodium, and sugar do to the body. I realized that I felt like I never had energy and felt always tired. I exercised but still didn't feel good internally. I made the decision to cut out sugar from my diet. I focus eating on healthy whole foods. I now make sure to eat more vegetables, healthy whole grains, make my own smoothies, drink plenty of water, cut out soda, no more deli meat, and healthy carbs. I do not call it a diet since this is a lifestyle change and this is something that I will continue to do. *** Yes, I had sugar withdraw headaches/ migraines that lasted for 2 weeks***
No Caffeine- I drink my coffee every single morning, but realized I did not need all of that caffeine. I have switched to decaf coffee and I love it. I can now enjoy my coffee every morning without all of the caffeine.
Fasting- I have done fasting in the past, but only for a certain period of time. I now fast Mon-Fri from 7pm-1pm. On weekends I take two days off so that way it changes it up for my body. I look at it as a body reset, it resets all levels and improves organ functions. It also regenerates new blood cells. While fasting I drink decaf coffee, water, and tea.
Walking- I was never a walker. I am a runner, I do HIIT, Boxing, Strength Training, etc. I now make sure I walk a certain amount of steps every day. It forces me to get outside and walk more. I now enjoy taking walks. I find that during this time I am able to think and get away. It honestly is good for my mind.
Oils- I have studied Essential Oils and what they can do for your body, and how they are natural remedies that can be used for health issues. I use Essential Oils DAILY and NIGHTLY. I use them while I am working, when I have a headache, before bed, and mix them together for other benefits.
Yoga/Stretching- I have listened to my body as I have gotten older, and my body is craving TLC. My body always feels tight and at times in pain. I now dedicate 20-30min a night doing stretches. I put on music, have my oils going and I spend time loving my body and giving it what it needs. I look forward to this every evening, and my body feels better afterwards. I struggle with Sciatica, and I now have a flow that I do every night that helps me properly stretch that area.
Reading The Bible- I have been on a Bible Reading Plan since January, and I make sure to take time (Usually after stretching) to sit down in my massage chair and read the Word of God. This is important time with God, and it is important to do it DAILY. We also have a separate Bible Reading plan that we do as a family, and talk about what we read, and then pray.
Vitamins- I spoke with a Doctor and found out which Vitamins I should be taking for my age/body etc, and I now take them daily. It is helpful to know where you need to increase certain levels, and vitamins can help do that.
Journaling- I now make time for Journaling. I did this when I was younger, and I have fell in love with it again. I spend time writing down what I am currently feeling/going through/prayers/ etc. It helps to get it down on paper. I feel better afterwards, and I am able to see the different stages of when God answered my prayers, and what he has done in my life.
These are the main changes I have made, and I hope it brings encouragement to you. Maybe one or several of these areas have spoken to you. If so, I recommend doing research for yourself, talk to a doctor, and pray about it. God will reveal to you what you need to cut out of your life. I am thankful that I have a loving family that supports me. These things above are important to me and I have made time prioritizing them so I do them daily.
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