Welcome Guest Writer, Suzi Feldman. We dedicate this blog to all our readers who could benefit from self care.

 

 

Cultivating Your Inner Strength Through Self-Care

 

Self-care goes much deeper than pampering yourself at the spa or getting expensive massages. For those of us with Lyme disease, self-care can be a source of self-empowerment.

Needless to say, dealing with Lyme disease can be as mentally demanding as it is physically. Psychotherapist Ruschelle Khanna explains that it stimulates mental health struggles like depression and anxiety, while also making them much more difficult and distinct.

Although living with Lyme disease presents its own unique challenges, all is not lost. Self-care not only helps create a better home in your mind, it can also cultivate your inner strength. It’s a powerful statement that you’re going to live the wonderful life you deserve in spite of your situation.

Allow Yourself to Rest

You might be wondering how to rest when you always feel tired or sleepy. While Lyme disease may have you feeling constantly fatigued, it’s key to learn how to embrace it. This is because feeling angry or annoyed can weaken your spirit. Whether it’s falling asleep because of your favorite Young Living essential oils or resting with a cozy blanket, self-care can transform the way you view your symptoms. So if you wake up one day extra tired, acknowledge what your body is experiencing and allow it to rest. True strength doesn’t come from physically pushing, but from taking the time to connect with your inner self.

Take a Step Back

When experiencing brain fog, it’s especially important to take things slow and be kind to yourself. Instead of feeling frustrated, try to control what you can—such as your food intake, which definitely affects brain fog. To that end, Parsley Health’s nutritionists underscore the importance of eating the proper foods, such as plant-based and protein-rich meals. Try to stay away from sugary, processed stuff as it can get in the way of your body’s natural energy production and regeneration. In turn, this helps hone your inner strength, as you recognize and respect your body more by treating it right.

Write It Out

Lyme disease can undoubtedly make you harbor negative thoughts. Sometimes it can be scary to share what you’re thinking, since some people tend to minimize your condition. A safe place to air your frustrations is in a journal. In fact, researchers from Michigan State University have found that expressive writing can train your brain to relax amidst stressful situations. While your frustrations are completely valid, you shouldn’t let them fester inside. Sometimes, you need to remind yourself that it’s okay to not feel okay. And once you acknowledge this pain, you allow the healing to begin.

Living with Lyme disease is a daily struggle. There are some days when you may not even recognize your own body. Despite this, what truly matters is that you remember who you are, and you acknowledge that you are strong, no matter what’s happening physically.

Article specially written for livingwithlyme.us by Suzi Feldman

 

 

Posted in Blog