WhyWeight - July 2006

Recovery! 

Hi Everyone

Thank you for sharing the email newsletter and welcome to our new subscribers.

June started out really well for me, however I developed just a slight cough and snivel. Deciding that I had too much to do, and wanting to get some important tasks finished and projects completed, I decided to use a little 'mind over matter'. Initially this worked and I managed to get some things finished. Then my Body rebelled and I found myself caught in the grips of terrible flu, having to surrender and stay in bed. The physical weakness I felt leaving me unable to do anything except lie in bed and rest, however frustrating.

I know that I should have listened to my Body's initial warnings, and rested more, forgoing my twice weekly karate classes. However, stubbornness, sometimes a strong characteristic to help get things done, proved to be only foolish in this case. For two days all I could do is stay in bed and then for the following ten days, I was only able to get up for a few hours, needing to rest in the afternoons and go to bed early. Three weeks later I still feel weak and very lethargic, wondering how I am going to get caught up with my life.

There were however, some benefits to being in bed ill, and I have shared some insight I had in the 'Pledge to make just One Change' included in this email newsletter.

Fortunately, sitting at my PC writing, requires little physical effort, even though I know I have to go back to work soon, wondering how I will manage an eight hour working day. I know that one of the reasons I am feeling so lethargic, has been my lack of appetite, and the unwillingness to follow my usual healthy eating regime. I know that my energy levels are very depleted, my Body using whatever reserves I had to fight the illness I was suffering...

Rationally, I realise that there are more aspects to healing, than just resting while my Body fights whatever illness has taken hold. Once the symptoms of flu have dissipated, I know I need to take some time to care and nurture my Body, allowing myself to regain my normal strength and energy levels.

If you have struggled with a cold or flu this Winter, here are a few ideas to consider:

• Eat five or six small meals through the day.
  It's much easier for the brain and body to function if they are nourished at regular, short intervals. It is better to have six small meals than two large ones - although this maybe difficult. Never miss a meal, as this allows toxins to build up in the body, slows down the system and makes reactions duller.
   
• Drink plenty of water.  
  Fatigue is one of the early warning signs of dehydration, which will, in turn, make the body more vulnerable to catching infections and viruses, and less able to fight them off once they are caught. To feel invigorated, drink a long glass of water first thing in the morning, mid-morning, 30 minutes before lunch, 30 minutes after lunch, mid-afternoon, 30 minutes before supper and shortly before going to bed.
  (In the mornings when I woke up, I found myself drenched in perspiration - a sign that my body was fighting the infection. However, part of the lethargy I am experiencing in the mornings, is probably due to this loss of liquid and a need to hydrate my body ;o)
   
• Drink plenty of fruit and vegetable juices.  
  Most of the body is made up of water, so it can quickly become dehydrated, especially when you are ill, and taking medication and daily supplements. The vitamins and minerals contained in fruit and uncooked vegetables together with their high liquid content, make them the ideal food for building the immune system, and cleansing and re-hydrating the body. You can pulp or liquidise almost any fruit or vegetable into a delicious drink that is filling as well as being extremely good for your body. You can experiment with small quantities of different fruits and vegetables to find the combinations you like best. Drink the juice from a glass or use a spoon to eat like a puree. Juices and smoothies can take the place of a meal or may be drunk 30 minutes before a meal.
  (Good mixes for juices and smoothies: • cranberry, peach and mango,
  • pineapple and carrot, • banana and kiwi, • papaya and apple,
  • melon and ginger, • melon and nectarine, • gooseberry and apple,
  • lemon and banana, • carrot and apple, • radish and cucumber,
  • carrot and beetroot, • carrot and tomato, • spinach and lemon,
  • cucumber and celery, • cabbage ;o)
   
• Eat lots of fresh fruits and raw fresh vegetables.  
  Most vegetables are much tastier and more potent system cleansers and energy boosters when eaten uncooked. Good cleansers include carrots, baby sweetcorn, broccoli, cabbage, tomato, mangetout, mushrooms, celery, courgettes, finely chopped onion, shallots and leeks.
  (For an optimum cleansing experience and real energy booster, choose just one fruit or vegetable and eat only that for one day - only do this for one day every four or five weeks ;o)
   
• Let Go and Relax.
  There is little point in going to bed to rest while you are ill if your mind is whirling with chaotic thoughts and things you think you should be doing. Rather learn some visualisation and relaxing exercises to allow yourself to completely unwind and relax. When in the recovery stage after illness, do gentle stretching exercises or take two or three short walks daily before returning to a normal exercise regime. Relaxing and letting go of troublesome feelings, such as guilt, bitterness, sadness, anxiety and anger, demands gentle exercises for the mind and that compliment the cleansing and enhance the energy of the body. Learning Yoga or Tai Chi from a qualified professional and then practising for a few minutes daily can help you to unwind, learn to let go of stress, enhance your immune system and protect your body from physical ailments.
   
• Care and Nurture.  
  The care and nurture of your mind and body is much more than just drinking enough water and eating enough nutritious food, sometimes it can also mean reaching out for support from others. While recovering after illness, ask family members to shoulder the load of your responsibilities until you reach your full strength and energy levels. Even if you need to return to work, you can ask a colleague to help with your work load for a short time until you are able to cope - there will be a time when you can reciprocate. Rest and relax more on the week-ends and get more sleep than usual will also aid in your recovery.
   
• Treat yourself.
  Massage, accupressure, shiatsu, reflexology, and even facials, pedicures and manicures can all be enjoyed to achieve physical and mental relaxation. Massage is particularly effective in easing tensions and knotted tissue, increasing circulation of the blood, and stimulating the lymphatic system, one of the chief routes for ridding the body of toxins - an excessive build-up of toxins is sometimes the main cause of illness.
   
• Take a supplement.
  Even if you take vitamin supplements daily, load up with a Vitamin C supplement to give you a boost. Remember to increase your water intake and eat first to increase the absorption levels (unless otherwise stipulated on the packaging). As with all medication, supplements and vitamins, please read the directions to ensure that you follow the instructions to get the best results and benefits.
   
• Take a break.  
  I also know that one of the reasons I have reacted so badly to the flu with such severe symptoms, is my hectic schedule with only five days leave in eighteen months. It's important to have a few minutes a day for yourself, and just as important to take a break from your normal schedule and routine every week. Although that can be impossible every week, doing something fun, different or relaxing every two or three weeks can prove beneficial, for the mind and the body.
   
• Stay Present!
  Despite how yucky being sick can make a person feel, 'Staying Present' through and during the experience can bring valuable insight. When I was in bed, thinking about what I should have been doing and wanted to be doing, this just added to my frustration and stress. When I finally gave in, to being sick, I realised some valuable insight to my deeper core emotions and possible the underlying cause for my illness. There was a simple technique I used to stop my thoughts wandering while lying in bed, which brought me peace and stillness allowing my body to heal..... While standing, sitting or lying in bed, place your left hand over your abdomen - below your belly button, and say, 'I am calm and relaxed'. Place your right hand over your heart and say, 'I am present'. You can alternate your hands to find what is most comfortable for you, and repeat the technique a few times, breathing in through your nose and out through the mouth.

Even though it has taken me a lot longer than usual to write this email newsletter, it has made me feel so much better. *Grin* I have a much clearer picture of what I can do to help myself on the path of recovery back to full strength and health.... my perspective on life is more positive, and drinking two litres of water during the process has also helped tremendously. I have made appointments for a facial and aromatherapy massage, giving me something to look forward to, and writing the newsletter has given me a sense of accomplishment. *Grin*

If you have struggled with colds and flu or even if you have managed to avoid them this Winter, please share your ideas by sending an email to
[ Mands ] - I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you to all of you who have sent me emails, my in box is overflowing as a result of the time I have taken off, and I will endeavour to reply to each of you shortly. Please be patient while I catch-up with my life, I will reply to everyone's email as I can, thanks! *Grin*

Wishing you health in Body, peace in Mind,
happiness in Heart and miracles in your Life!

Love and Laughter to You and Yours!
Mands

Email: [ Mands ]
Website: www.WhyWeight.co.za

July 2006 Copyright © Mands

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Feedback

• Dear Mands, Thanks for the newsletter - made beautiful reading.
  Love and light Janet
   
• Your website info is t-e-r-r-i-f-i-c!! Please keep me posted…
  Best regards Stell

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