Last week I enjoyed beautiful air, sunshine and a hike up Miller Canyon in Arizona. After more than a week of living with some viral assault, it felt good to feel good again.
Although I try to stay mindful and grateful for my health, nothing ups my appreciation of a healthy body like a week of being sick. It also reminds me why I am passionate about wellness and work hard to educate and empower others. Because no matter how beautiful the air, the view or the day, it’s hard to enjoy it if you’re ill.
With the flu and viral illness at epidemic levels this year I know my experience is not unique. Despite our conscious efforts to remain well, no one is immune to a reminder of our human frailty and the body’s miraculous ability to recover.
So while nothing can make us “flu proof” (not even the vaccine), when illness hits you can focus on working with your body and not against it. In addition to symptom relief and seeking medical attention as needed, here are 5 holistic ways to support your recovery:
1. Feed Your Mind
Your mind can be a powerful ally in healing, and just like your body, what you feed it matters. Down days at home often means time for “binge watching” TV or hours of reading.
Your mind and emotions are more vulnerable when your body is ill, and more sensitive than usual to what they’re exposed to. You may find yourself more easily moved to tears by sad or tender moments, or upset by violence.
Fill your mind with positive and nurturing images and messages as much as possible. Be sure to notice what – and who – fosters feeling hopeful and encouraged about your recovery. Avoid anything that brings you down.
2. Accept Temporary Limitations
We live in a culture that champions “powering through” at all costs. Advertisements encourage us to block pain rather than listen to it. Cold and flu remedies promise that illness need not slow you down.
The problem is the slowing down is precisely what your body needs to heal. So even though you might be able to maintain activities doesn’t mean you should. Instead, give yourself permission to expect and do less – just for right now.
Accepting your body’s limitations for the short term is the best way to shorten illness and promote recovery soon rather than later.
3. Trust Your Body
The more I understand about the complexity of the immune system, the more I’m in awe of the innate (Divine) intelligence of the body. With no conscious effort on your part, your body will send thousands of cellular messages faster than the speed of light to mobilize your immune warriors against an attack.
Even the fever and inflammation that make you feel terrible temporarily are part of a larger recovery plan. Give your body the time and rest it needs to do what it know how to do. If you feel your body’s resources have been surpassed seek medical evaluation and treatment.
4. Foster Gratitude
This can be a tall order when illness strikes and you feel miserable, but gratitude is a powerful resource because your mind and body respond differently to gratitude than to fear or frustration. So it’s important to foster gratitude wherever we can, even if we’re simply thankful for breathing in and out all day long.
While you’re recovering, look for small improvements in your health. Do you have a little more energy, sleep a little bit better or ache a little less? Notice and be grateful for small, positive changes on the road to recovery.
When you do start to feel like yourself again, take time to really experience the gratitude you feel. Nothing feels better than to experience the strength and resilience of your own body. The day I hiked the canyon I gave thanks for the legs that took me up the canyon, the lungs that breathed deeply and the heart that powered it all.
5. Come Back Slowly
The hardest part of recovery for me is wanting to do too much too soon. I have learned the hard way that giving into the “oh my gosh it feels good to feel good again” feeling and re-engaging with gusto is a sure fire plan for a setback.
Honor how hard your body’s been working by going easy early in your recovery. Easing back into your routine will allow your system to gradually adjust. For the first few days do less than you want to do and listen to your body; it will let you know if you’re overdoing it. That is also part of your body’s innate intelligence.
May you be well,
Pam
P.S. Does your immune system need a little love? Check out my favorite immune support here: bit.ly/2F7Reu2