Self Care: Trusting You

I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately. When I started trying to live a healthy life style I thought every single day I needed to go hard 110% working out and eat completely clean. I think a lot of people go into change like this but it is not sustainable nor a good idea. Why do you ask? You burn out after a while. Your body cannot handle a strain like that all the time and let's be real we all need fries from time to time. I know this goes back to the balance conversation but also it is about trusting your body. A prime example I came across this week. Monday I wanted to work out so Ryan and I went canoeing. Which is great but it flared up my lower back injury something fierce. I needed to listen to my body Monday night, Tuesday and even today. I am sore and my disc is for sure swollen in my back. I am walking like a slow turtle. Listening to my body I am making sure because I cannot work out to stretch, do yoga, take long baths, heat the area, ice the area, take my medication for swelling reduction.

Luna is the perfect hiking partner. Dirty feet and all!

Changing up our fit life style a bit I got a new bike a couple years ago.

Remember resting when injury hits is not weakness. It is not being lazy. Keep moving when injured as much as you can but just do other things to keep mobile. I used to not be like this. I used to say "I have bum knees." "I have crappy lungs." ETC. Don't let that stop you focus on what you can do and really try to listen to your body. Throwing a rest day in with limited activity is not bad either. Body builders (not me) often take rest days to allow their muscles to rest and recover. It is okay to do this!

Learning to trust yourself will really help you.

Things I have had to change about my lifestyle to stay active but prevent further back issues:
last here I did chiropractic care which I liked but I needed someone to teach me how to fix my issues on my own so I reached out and saw a physical therapist to strengthen my upper back muscles that were weak. He also helped me fix my crappy posture which was my under laying issue. He has me on a good path to being stronger. Recommended kayaking (work on that core!) which I have picked up as a hobby and massage therapy. Both big game changers for me. I can no longer wear heels due to my back unless for special occasions not every day. I cannot jump while doing Zumba or really any activity. I am okay giving up both these things for long term care. Lastly it is not being a drug addict to take medication to help reduce swelling. I need to stick to taking the NSAID (ibuprofen) on a schedule till my swelling is down to a manageable level. This education was really valuable for me.

Hello new kayak!

We are excited for new work out adventures kayaking!

The point of this wall of text is that I want you to know you are not alone. We are all in this together on this plant and you can do it. If I with all my medical issues can be a fit person in some shape of form you can do. Do not give up hang in there. Really try your best to trust yourself and the limits of your body. Never feel like a failure for having to modify your life to be healthy in a different way. Even if that is a rest day here or there!

I did the STRIDE challenge at work with my team and we just tried to walk 5 miles for 75 days. I did it! Even doing things like walking more can be a good way to get some activity in even if you are injured or want a light work out on a rest day.

Started yoga last year to help with stretching and core strength. Always better with friends and puppies!

 Until next time~
XoXo Emily