Taking Care of Yourself

Hi All,

How are you doing?  I hope you're all doing well.  Things are going well here in the desert.  Our winter has been wonderful, (not trying to rub it in northerners).  Our summer was long and hot - so it's nice to have a nice cool winter.  I know some of you are enduring a bitter cold winter and it's cold and flu season as well.  Today I'd like to just touch on some self care basics, from a little bit of an holistic point of view.

I'm no longer a full time holistic healthcare professional, but I still enjoy sharing some info that I've learned about holistic living.  First thing - what are you feeding yourself?  Holistically this entails, your food diet, but are you taking a little time to feed your spirit?  Do you feed yourself a diet of negativity on TV - like the never ending news cycle, (too much of that is not good for the soul).

Diet is important - eating a good, well balanced diet is a great idea.  Good quality, whole foods is best - organic, if you can.  Raw fruits and vegetables should be a part of that.  Moderation in food intake is also a great idea...people write books on this topic - I'm not going to here.  Do your best and I know, (as an EMT on the road for long hours), organic, locally grown food is not always easily available.  As my Holistic Nutrition teacher would say, "whatever the food available on your plate - bless the food and eat it with gratitude, and it will serve you well."

It's fresh lemon season here.  Slicing a lemon and adding it to a pitcher of water is

 a healthy and cleansing drink

 TV/Media Diet is also important to look at.  If we over do it with screen time or constantly feed our minds/consciousness negativity, it can and will affect our attitudes and our outlook on life.  Most news shows are a constant barrage of negativity.  Its enough to keep you up at night if you're not careful.  For me, I try to stay informed, but not overdo the news.  I enjoy shows on TV to be entertained as well, and I like to just do a little reading once in a while.  Too much of any of it throws me out of balance.  Evaluate your screen time, (computer, TV, tablet, phone, etc...), is it in balance or are you over doing it? 

I feed my soul with some uplifting spiritual study on a regular basis.  I feel like this is important for me.  Traditionally, going to church has been a staple of our society for spiritual uplift - and it's good.  I'd ask, how to you feed yourself spiritually?  Reading or studying can be a good avenue for this as well as on-line videos or other spiritual media.  Another great one is to be of service, either formally volunteering or helping someone out who's in need.  There's always plenty of opportunities to volunteer all around us - it's good to give back, and it's good for you, on every level.

Exercise is always good for the body.  It may be cold outside, but there are things you can do inside.  You may belong to a gym or have home gym equipment - use it.  I have an exercise bike.  Full disclosure - I've been getting back on it again lately.  Walking can be a very effective exercise for health.  Get the blood flowing a little bit, (or a lot) every day.

Dietary Supplements - do you take them?  Do you feel they make a difference?  There are some fantastic supplements out there.  Typically I'd go to more of a higher end or health food store for them, rather than purchasing from a standard grocery store - the quality of product is what you're after.  There are certainly some very good products available from your holistic practitioner or specialty shops - herbal supplements and remedies, vitamins and minerals, CBD oils, cremes, tinctures, capsules.  Do a little research and get the products that are going to help you heal or get back into balance.

Massage, Holistic Therapies - A very good way to take care of yourself.  I recommend a massage once a month.  It's a very wonderful way to relax, decompress and release some of the stress and tension that can build up in our bodies and minds.  Find what works for you and a therapist that you like and practice some self care directly to your muscles.  If you have medical conditions there are massage and holistic therapists that specialize in types of massage that can be very beneficial.  However - if you have a cold or the flu, you should wait until it passes to get a massage.  Your therapist can let you know if there are contraindications.  Of course, if you have a medical condition and you're unsure if you can get a massage - ask your doctor.

This winter (what's left of it), and all year long -- take care of yourself.  Be gentle with yourself.  There are some really good things that can help us remain healthy this time of year, but at the end of the day a balanced lifestyle will be best for most of us.  Take good care.

Peace,

Tom