April 7, 2021

Revisiting Fibromyalgia

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago. Being me, I’ve ignored my symptoms, haven’t gone back to the specialist who diagnosed me, and have chosen to happily live in the Land of Denial (which is my favorite place in the world). However, my time of pretending nothing is wrong is rapidly coming to an end. As I’ve aged, my symptoms have worsened, and I can’t keep my head stuck in the sand for much longer. So, what to do?

Well, to be a sensible adult, I decided to check out what the medical field has to say about this nasty disease. Just as I thought, there are some new findings, but mostly the information hasn’t changed that much. The diagnosis procedure has changed a little, and there are new medications that may be prescribed, but that’s really the only change. Back when I was diagnosed, I was told not to exercise as it was thought to make the pain worse. Due to my own feelings, I continued to exercise and felt better. Now the belief is to exercise (within reason) and use flexibility exercises to keep your flexibility level high. This also is something that I’ve found out – if I don’t exercise and remain flexible the pain actually increases, I can get depressed and nothing good comes of it.

One of the worst problems for me is the need for sleep. I have had long years of not sleeping more than four hours a night. There have been various reasons for this…first it was babies and young children, then it was a stressful and frankly unsafe home life, now I sleep on the living room couch due to a husband who snores (and no, doesn’t have sleep apnea) where I feel unsafe, and others living in the house make too much noise for me to go to bed early. However, since I’ve gotten a puppy, I’ve been trying to get myself into bed earlier, and it does work if I make the bed up earlier and jump into it once my son and his girlfriend have finished eating dinner.

If you were diagnosed with a disease that you’ve not paid attention to lately, I suggest that you research it again. I actually ordered the Mayo Clinics’ book on Fibromyalgia and am waiting for it to arrive. I’m hoping that there will be some information in there regarding coping with the pain and the accompanying fatigue that I suffer from. If you have fibro, I’ve left some links for you below. Educate yourself it may help you to successfully cope.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354785

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/fibromyalgia.htm

November 18, 2020

Living with Anxiety

Life is difficult. Some of us don’t manage stress and/or anxiety well, and I am definitely one of those people. I’ve spent way too much time over the last few years worried and stressed about not only what’s been happening in my life, but with what’s been happening in the world around us.

First of all, I’ve come to the reluctant realization that I can’t keep myself on high alert 24/7. And, secondly, that it’s not selfish to do things specifically for myself. My household is full of stress. I’ve got a 30-year-old son and his girlfriend living with myself, my husband and our daughter. So, guess who does the housework, makes almost all the meals, plans doing the laundry around the girlfriend’s schedule, and picks up after everyone – with the exception of my daughter who bakes and washes the occasional dish? Yes, that’s right, the answer is me!

So, what’s this about anxiety? I’ve got a long history of being anxious. I’ve spent years making sure that I don’t make anyone angry since I simply can’t deal with the blow-back. Now I will leave the room, but most importantly I try my hardest to not engage. Some things are simply not worth the stress and anxiety. I’m sure that I’m not alone in this realization.

So, I’ve found some strategies https://adaa.org/tips and am working on adding these to my life. I had stopped working out quite a while ago, but since adopting a puppy, walks are once again a big part of my life. However, I’ve decided to add yoga to my routine, along with weight-lifting. In the past, working out has helped me cope with life, so I’m hoping that it will make a difference. Some other things to try include: eating whole foods; limit alcohol (I don’t drink, so I’ve got a foot up in that department) and caffeine (this is a problem, I love love coffee); get enough sleep – again, this is a problem, but I’m working on it; take deep breaths – I keep forgetting to do this; and along with many others, my worst personal problem – realize that you can’t control everything – if only they put me in charge! Everything would be so much better! – yeah, right. Take a look at the link, and see if any of these strategies will work for you.

Stop thinking that if you do something, anything for yourself you are selfish. This is a lie. Washing your face and caring for your skin are not selfish endeavors. Watching a movie because you want to isn’t selfish. You can’t help anyone else if you keep your own tank empty. Take care of yourself.

September 23, 2020

Again, With the Cleaning

So, here we are in the middle of Fall Cleaning Season. What fun! When you have a puppy, you get to observe just how unorganized you are. All those piles of “stuff” that have been hanging around for far too long (why the heck don’t those pesky pixies take them away, anyhow?). It’s worse now than it would normally be, thanks to Covid-19. Like many people, I’ve spent some time going through old things with the desire to give them away, however, no one is accepting them at this time. My local Transfer Station has a Swap Shop, but that is closed right now – the Swap Shop, not the Transfer Station (thank goodness). So, now I’ve got an abundance of garbage bags full of things to give away, and nowhere to put them. And, we all know how overly interested puppies are about bags of stuff, or anything else we don’t want them to stick their little noses into.

I have to admit that my house is in disarray. Why? Well, depression, stress, anxiety and apathy are all reasonable explanations. I’m sure I’m not the only one dealing with some mental issues right now. These times that we are living in are very stressful. It’s not easy to deal with all the problems we’re all facing. While I’ve been trying to focus only on what I can do, depression is a rather persistent issue.

That being said, I’m trying to organize what I can. Finding different places to put my bags of give-away stuff is a priority until I can finally drop them off somewhere, so that they can be re-used. My closet would be ideal, but I’ve got to deal with some of the other “stuff” first. See how there seems to be no end to this? I feel like I’m running on a hamster wheel and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

My goals for this project are really focused on the things that I can do right now. So, closet organization, re-homing those bags and just a general clean-out. How are you dealing with fall cleaning? Let me know in the comments below. Maybe you’ve got some great ideas related to organization. I could use some help in that direction, so share your knowledge.

September 2, 2020

September is a New Beginning

It may seem odd, but even though my school-days are long behind me, I find that I look forward to September and tend to treat it as a new beginning. Maybe it’s the official end of summer, or the fact that I’m looking forward to my favorite season – fall. I’m not sure, but by the end of August I’m done with hot and humid weather, and looking for those cool, crisp days. I often will make myself a list of goals that I want to achieve between now and Christmas, and I feel more invigorated about new goals at this time than I do at the New Year.

Probably one reason that for my view of September is that it’s my birthday month. This year is a little more special than most years, as I’ll be celebrating my 60^th birthday. To be honest, last year I was completely freaked out by the thought of turning 60. I don’t feel sixty years old, and I don’t even look it. I thank my Swedish heritage for my baby-face. However, once the Pandemic hit, my perspective completely changed. I consider it to be an achievement to have made it to 60.

So, am I where I wanted to be in life right now? Absolutely not! Am I saddened that I’ve not hit those goals that I had all those years ago? Of course I am and I don’t think that I’d be human if I wasn’t. However, when I look at all the things that I’ve gone through in my almost sixty years, I realize that the fact that I’m a functioning (mostly) adult who has been married for almost 35 years, raised two children to adulthood, weathered some terrible emotional and physical storms, I haven’t done badly at all. I’m trying to be proud about what I have managed to survive instead of focus on all those things that haven’t happened yet.

I am also focusing on the idea that 60 is the new 40! Yes, I live in the land of de-nial, however, I’m not alone here, and I’d much rather focus on the positive than the negative. Negativity will get you nowhere, but positivity is your friend. One of the things that I’m focusing on right now is positivity -I hold it close to my heart and dip into positive quotes and thoughts numerous times every day.

As far as my September 2020 goals are concerned, the biggest one is to stay alive and healthy, as well as do what I can to keep my family healthy. Another goal is to get back into my exercising and all some more Pilates to the mix. And, as usual, adding new vegan recipes to my life. Of course, writing is a big goal that I’ve been working on for a while now, but do need to make it more of a priority.

How about you? Are you working toward your goals, or is sanity the most important one? Your mental health is so important. I hope that everyone is doing well and keeping safe and healthy. As always, share your thoughts and concerns below. We are all in this together. Let’s do what we can to be positive, kind and loving.

June 3, 2020

Be the Healthiest You!

If there is one thing that I’ve learned over the last few months, it’s that even though I think I’m pretty healthy, just like everyone else, there is much room for improvement. To begin with, I eat a healthy diet. I’m plant based, but even though that’s a good thing, I’ve also been eating prepared food a little too often lately. I’ve also been using oil just a little too often. And, don’t get me started on the vegan butter – yummy!

But health is more than just what you eat – even though it is an extremely important aspect to keep you healthy. Some other aspects to health include exercise, sleep, and your all-important mental health. So, living in a time of a pandemic, I’d say that most of us are suffering from an excess of stress. What can we do? Every week (or even more often), the news alerts us to new studies regarding what may help with Covid-19. Just a note, none of these studies are peer-reviewed, since the scientific community is interested in alerting us to the latest research findings as soon as it is available regarding the pandemic. I don’t know about you, but I’ve found these scientific reports interesting and helpful. One of the most recent was about patients who had been severely deficient in vitamin D and they believe that such a deficiency may have made recovery difficult. As far as I know, most multi-vitamins have plenty of vitamin D; but you can also get it by sitting (or standing) in the sun for approximately 10 to 30 minutes a few times a week. If you take a daily walk (with sunscreen), you should be all set. There are other medical issues that put someone at more risk if they get sick. I’ve left a link below that explains all this much better than I can.

As far as what you can do, all I can is suggest what I’ve found to be helpful, and also another link that I hope helps. I’ve found that good food is a great way to get healthy. Now that it’s getting closer to summer, vegetables and summer fruits are readily available. One of my favorite meals is a salad with plenty of peppers, tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, carrots added to romaine lettuce with some avocado, black olives, chick peas and dressing. Add a baked potato and there is a delicious dinner. Plus, it’s fast and easy.

While I was really struggling for a while (and in truth I still am), I’ve also found that if I exercise daily not only do I feel like at least I’m doing something, but it also helps with my emotional needs. Reading and watching movies also get me out of my own head and forces me to think about something other than what’s going on in our world. Playing video games can be helpful also – Destiny is one of my favorites.

Do you have any ideas you’d like to share? Feel free to leave your comments below. Stay safe, stay healthy and remember, you are not alone.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200507121353.htm

https://www.forksoverknives.com/how-tos/how-stay-healthy-during-pandemic-covid-19-virus/

May 27, 2020

How to Find the “Bright Side”

It’s usually during tough times when the way that you respond to difficulties really shows the core of who you are. Some people can only look on the dark side. I myself have occasionally fallen into this camp. Even though I’d much rather act like Winnie-the-Pooh, I do have a tendency to respond in a hybrid of Rabbit and Eeyore with a smattering of Tigger – mainly for comic relief. Thankfully, I am unable to maintain a negative outlook for long, and can find joy in something as little as cloud pictures on a sunny day, or just the fact that there is always something to be grateful for, even if it’s the fact that you still have some veggies in the fridge, or fruit in your bowl.

tigger_make_me_me_quote_postcard-r89d5749e02f14e63b277fb37300e952f_vgbaq_8byvr_704

In most cases there is always something that brings you to the “bright side”. Normally life is not just black (bad) and white (good); it’s more than that, there are numerous ways to find joy and pleasure in simply being alive, even in the more stressful times. These are pretty stressful times that we’re currently living in, with really no clear end in sight – and that can be the most stressful part of all. Some of the activities that my family has been doing include (me) going on many walks, working out; as well as enjoying (as a family) movies – mostly comedy and action/adventure. I’ve been reading, cleaning, and beginning a list of things to give away once the Swap Shop at my Transfer Station is accepting donations again.

While I understand (oh how I understand) the ease of disappearing down the hole of despair, it really serves no purpose to stay stuck there, and can create more problems for you to deal with later. No matter how you deal with stress, try not to make additional issues that you’ll have to tackle at a later date. Over indulging either with food or alcohol is not a problem-solver. In fact, alcohol is a depressant, which I’m sure no one needs additional depressants at the moment. I’ve been trying to focus on the positive and on the little things that I can control myself. Sanitizing my house, planning healthy meals, going to sleep at a decent hour, working on my goals list, and most importantly letting those I love know how much they mean to me. Enjoy what you can, accept the things you can’t control, and try oh try, to find happiness and joy.

May 13, 2020

Cultivating Inner Peace

Inner peace is extremely illusive. While I know that I’ve written about this subject before, I feel that we can all use some help in trying to find some inner peace. It can be hard to attain, since we are usually reacting to our environments. Sometimes reacting can be a good thing, but to live our lives by simply reacting is not. It keeps us off-kilter, doesn’t allow for self-examination, nor is it helpful to finding inner peace.

This is something that I’ve struggled with for many years. I’m not very good at being non-reactive in trying situations, and my inner peace can be described as a cloud that moves just out of reach every time that I come close to catching just a small part of it. So, why do I think that I have any ideas that just might help? Well, I’ve been practicing “yoga breaths” for years, and have recently realized that they are actually helping me. I’ve been in panic-mode for weeks – my husband, an essential worker, has twice now been “potentially exposed” to the corona-virus, and of course, the level of anxiety is driving me insane. From keeping everything as sanitized as I can, to worrying about what if, I’ve been in a wonderful (not!) place mentally and emotionally. However, when my panic attacks start, I begin to breathe from my diaphragm and this is actually working. I’ve also been practicing this while I go for my daily walk and various other times, but most importantly when I try to fall asleep.

Taking these types of breaths does calm your mind and body down, since you’ve got to focus all your attention on breathing, and this allows your mind to relax and focus on something other than the vast amount of worries you are having.

Another soothing practice I’ve been trying is keeping a window, or two open in the room along with some weighty blankets on me while I sleep. This is something that I can do, because I’m sleeping on the living room couch instead of in my marital bed. This practice started due to my husband’s snoring issues, but now I feel that it’s the best thing due his possible infection. I sincerely hope that he remains well, but as they say, do what you can.

What little rituals have you been practicing to find a modicum of inner peace? Have you tried meditation? If so, does it help? I have a hard time meditating, however, when I say my affirmations, I try really really hard to just focus on each word, and the intentions behind them. If I do this, I feel that it helps like a meditation. Share your practices for inner peace. Be safe, be healthy.

May 6, 2020

Where’s the Happiness and Joy?

The world is looking a little scary now. Since I’m an introvert, I already have the problem of being uncomfortable when I’m around any group of people. Usually, before I even go to the grocery store in “normal” times, I just might have a “small” panic-attack. Now, because I’m going out only once a week (and usually not even that often) – one-week BJ’s, the next Stop and Shop – if I can’t avoid it; I can become so nervous that I shake, and end up dealing with a much more serious panic-attack. Of course, most of this is brought on by the thought that I might get sick during this little excursion, so is it worth it? I am absolutely having no fun here, and this can become a problem. However, as we all must, I just go ahead and deal with it. My son recently mentioned that he hates wearing a mask, and feels like a bandit. Actually, I think it’s pretty cool, since we all look like bandits. And, what a variety of masks there are out there! It does make going out interesting, for sure. Hey, find your joy wherever you can, it’s a strange new world and there still has got to be joy.

We can’t exist without some form of happiness and joy. This week I was finally able to buy some flour, so baking here I come! No yeast, so we bought ready-made pizza bread (vegan – which can be tricky), and so another problem gone! Happiness overload! I realize that I am easily amused and it doesn’t take much to make me happy – I won’t tell you about my childhood, but it does play a large part in how I’m able to keep myself occupied and happy with very little – and I am grateful that I can find amusement and happiness in most things. I’m the one who laughs hysterically after tripping down the stairs. Because, seriously, it’s better to laugh than it is to cry. Crying just gives you a headache, am I right?

The point of all this is to remind those of you who may have lost this idea, happiness and joy can come from a variety of sources. Our families, children, pets, good food…a roof over our heads. Not everything has to be serious and frightening. Buying things, going out to spend money – those are temporary solutions, they don’t bring long-term happiness or joy. If we learn anything from this whole event, maybe we will realize that the joy and happiness we can create on our own without going out, and spending money lasts a lot longer than the temporary happiness we often pay for.

How are you finding joy and happiness during this time? I’ve been reading, writing, watching various things on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Acorn TV along with some of the movies I haven’t watched for a long time. I also find that playing my favorite video-games – Destiny anyone? – can be quite cathartic. Once I decided to not sit in a corner and wait to possibly get sick, my exercise program has really been a big help with my stress. My two + mile daily walk has been pivotal in my de-stressing. Another thing that’s helping are my weekly and weekend goals. Let me know in the comments what is helping you and your family get through these trying times. Stay healthy, stay safe and find happiness and joy!

April 29, 2020

Avoiding Despair

How are you doing? I’ve been spending a little too much time worrying about what could happen, and not enough time focusing on what I can do. Once I decided to change my thinking, and let me say that I had a hard time doing that, I’m actually coping a lot better. I’m sanitizing my house; limiting my grocery shopping to once every two weeks; and taking a two mile walk every day. (The only reason I’m still going out and walking is that I live in a rural community, and seldom run into anyone else at my usual walking time.) I also re-installed my routine of working out in the morning in the interest of getting into the best frame of mind I can. I’ve been consciously focusing on eating healthy and trying to get enough sleep.

Has all this helped? Yes, it has. As I stated before, three of the people who live in my house are essential workers, so the level of stress can be pretty high. But, I’m not the only one who has this going on. There are so many others who have to work, so I know that I’m not alone with my fears. And, that’s the important thing. This is something that all of us are going through together. We all have to go out at some point to pick up food (and the all-important toilet paper) but limiting our time out is vital, wearing some kind of mask is important – I would never want to get someone else sick through my own negligence. I am using a bandana and once I learned how to fold it correctly, I’ve been having an easier time with it.

This is a time to think about the health of others’ as much as about ourselves. The last time I was in BJ’s, an older gentleman made fun of me for wearing my carefully folded bandana, and he was taken aback when I told him I was wearing it for his sake. Apparently, that idea had never occurred to him before: of course, he was not wearing one. Hopefully the idea that not only can others’ health can affect us, but out health can affect others, will filter through to some other people. We may be individuals, but we live in a community.

Another thing that I’m avoiding is social media. I am only on Instagram, but that can be more than enough. I’ve been shutting off my iPad a few days a week in order to keep my sanity. It seems to be helping with my frame of mind.

Let me know how you’re coping (or not). Let’s all help each other.

April 22, 2020

Chronic Disease and Living Through COVID-19

I hope that everyone is doing well, but I’m sure that your anxiety levels are exceedingly high. If you’re anything like me, you may be spending way too much time stressing about all the things that you can’t control – which, of course is a huge waste of time. All we can control are our own actions – keep the house sanitized, limit the number of trips out, eat healthy food, exercise and get plenty of sleep.

As someone who lives with three people who have been designated as essential workers – a commercial construction supervisor (seriously – “essential”) – my husband; a healthcare worker – my daughter; and my son’s girlfriend – an emergency room nurse, I easily can spend all my time worrying about exactly how we will get through this without any of us getting sick. I sanitize often, wash my hands – so much so that I’ve got flaky hands that hurt, and do all those other things that hopefully will help. I know that I’m not the only one who has family that are considered essential, and I am hoping that everyone is okay. Stress comes from many sources, but when you spend a lot of time worrying about your loved ones, it can go off the charts. We need to make a systematic change here so that everyone can be taken care of. This is not meant to be a “poor me” post, but me trying to share my ideas with you.

Since I do have a chronic disease (fibromyalgia) I worry – a lot, both for my family and myself. Sleep is an important aspect to staying healthy, so you would think that I’d be right on that…. going to bed early, etc. etc. But, as we all know, the minute our heads hit the pillow, the crazy frightening thoughts start right up, whirling around in our beanie little brains and destroying any chance of getting a good night’s sleep. However, I encourage you to do your best to get some sleep regardless. My go-to sleep preparation is to stop looking at social media at least an hour before bed-time, and spend some time reading before bed. That gets me thinking about what’s going on in my book rather than the insanity in the real world. Also, I say affirmations to myself as soon as I hit the sack. This only works if I concentrate intensely on the affirmations and nothing else. I use this as a kind of meditation by only focusing on the words I’m saying. I’ve found that this works more often than not. Of course, it’s not easy…I’ve been doing this for years, and still have to pull all the threads of my wandering thoughts together every night.

I am lucky enough that I live in a rural area, so I can go out for a walk every day. I seldom see other people walking, although I need to go at an earlier time on the weekends. If I walk in the morning, I’ve got the streets to myself. I no longer walk my neighbors’ dog, (they are both home now) so I can be much more flexible. My new route is over two miles, and it’s just long enough to clear my head and improve my mood, plus it’s a mile longer than I was walking.

Here where I live, I can’t seem to find flour. Anyone else having this issue? I’d love to make treats, but it’s difficult without a necessary ingredient. Hopefully when I go back to the store there will be some available.

I hope that you’ve all been taking your vitamins and any other supplements you need. My St. John’s Wart has been a life-saver as far as depression is concerned. I’ve also been finding myself taking Suntheanine for stress. Both of these are vegan, and they are something that I’ve found to be effective.

What has been working for you? Share your ideas, and let’s help each other through this difficult time. Take care, be safe and above all, take extra special care of yourselves and your families.

transforminglifenow

Changing my life for health and happiness

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