As a Naturopath I am very aware that if I’m going to ask my patients to make certain dietary and lifestyle change then I better make sure that I have tried it first. It wouldn’t be fair of me to ask someone to do something if I couldn’t manage it myself, would it? I think it’s important to try and lead by example if we want others to take notice and make change, so that’s what I do.
Going without alcohol? Done
Cut out the sugar? Yes
Eat organic and wholefoods wherever possible? Indeed!
Regular exercise? Love it
Take time out to unwind, recharge and relax? Ummm not exactly
But this last one is something I have found myself saying often in the last few weeks to patients that are overworked, stressed and in need of some “me time”. Part of the holistic approach in Naturopathy is to address the well-being of body, mind and soul.
So often we just push through the signs that are telling us we need some chill time. Signs to look for could include: energy levels dropping, not springing out of bed in the morning, feeling overwhelmed, sleep disturbance, muscle aches and pains, digestive issues and the list goes on.
At times it’s very difficult to admit that we just need to stop, unplug from a world that is constantly on and allow ourselves to surrender to what nurtures us. There could be feelings of guilt associated with this or we may just be so stuck in the ‘doings’ of life that we have forgotten how to just “be”. After all we are human beings, not human doings!
Every week we need to take time out and allow some relax and recovery to take place so we can step back into the busyness of our lives with renewed enthusiasm and sparkle. Consider the following or just do what feels right for you..
>>Take a walk in nature and really take in your surroundings, listen to the wildlife, notice the colours of the environment, breathe deeply and leave your phone at home!
>>Have an Epsom salt bath, add some coconut oil or flower petals and feel your body relax deeply.
>>Find a lovely grassy patch of earth and walk barefoot for a while. It has been found that the earth’s energy can absorb negative ions from our energetic fields when we connect barefoot.
>>Do some gardening
The benefits of this sort of practice are just as powerful as eating the right diet or doing regular exercise. Who knows what you’re capable of when you create this space and time for yourself, but I’m thinking that a sense of well-being, gratitude and renewed energy will be the perfect starting place.
