Navigating Health and Wellness: My Journey to Balance
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Pressure of Health and Wellness
When I embarked on my journey in the health and wellness sector over seven years ago, I placed enormous expectations on myself. I voraciously consumed blogs, podcasts, and YouTube content that discussed everything from dietary choices to workout regimes, and mindfulness techniques.
This overwhelming influx of advice from nutritionists, doctors, and wellness experts led me to develop an unhealthy obsession with achieving an idealized version of health.
Falling into the Trap of Perfectionism
I've dabbled in numerous health trends and diets, including veganism, the ketogenic approach, abstaining from alcohol, morning strolls, avoiding coffee before breakfast, intermittent fasting, and even daily cold showers. The list is extensive.
While I still practice some of these approaches—discussed further along in this article—I initially adopted a very restrictive mindset, labeling foods as either "good" or "bad." I use quotes around "trends" because, while some practices have been beneficial for many, including myself, others, like veganism, are rooted in deeper moral and ethical choices.
As time passed, I noticed my newfound enthusiasm for health began to strain my relationships. I felt compelled to skip outings with friends or family dinners, fearing they would derail my health goals. It took a moment of clarity for me to realize that I needed to shift my perspective on living a fulfilling life and to reach out to others who might feel similarly trapped.
Reassessing My Approach Through Holistic Practices
I started by reevaluating what I consumed—not just in terms of food but in terms of the health advice I absorbed. Instead of mirroring the habits of others, I learned to trust my body and heed the signals it was sending, particularly after periods of crash dieting and stress.
I discovered a passion for:
- Holistic Medicine and Nutrition: Embracing whole foods as a form of nourishment allowed me to appreciate the benefits each food group brings to my health, moving away from the restrictive mindset.
- Ancestral Living: Reflecting on how our ancestors lived helped me gain perspective on my own stressors, allowing me to reconsider habits that negatively impacted my mental well-being, such as excessive social media use and comparing my life to others'.
- Harmonizing with Nature: Recognizing our circadian rhythms and aligning our sleep and wake patterns with natural light has been crucial. Grounding—connecting with the earth by walking barefoot—has also proven beneficial for my mental health, helping to alleviate anxiety and stress.
Embracing Movement and Self-Care
I used to be overly critical of myself when my physical performance fluctuated. Now, I celebrate all forms of movement, whether it's a short walk or a lengthy workout, understanding that my body’s needs vary daily.
These foundational practices have encouraged me to live more intentionally. By stepping back from the constant pursuit of information, I began to embrace simplicity.
Chapter 2: The Takeaways from My Journey
As I continue to evolve in this field, I conduct much more thorough research before adopting new practices. Here are some "trends" I still incorporate into my routine:
The first video, "Maintaining Physical & Mental Wellbeing In High Pressure Careers," delves into strategies for balancing mental and physical health amidst demanding job environments.
- Morning Walks: I prioritize a brief morning walk, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Getting sunlight early helps me start my day calmly.
- No Coffee Before Breakfast: I’ve shifted my routine to wait at least an hour after waking up to consume caffeine, as it can elevate cortisol levels and lead to anxiety.
- Structured Routines: My evenings now include relaxing rituals like drinking tea, skincare, and reading, while my mornings consist of walking, hydration, and a nutritious breakfast.
The second video, "Release the Pressure Wellness Wednesday: Black Health Under Siege – Part Two," addresses critical health issues faced by marginalized communities, encouraging a broader understanding of wellness.
- Using Castor Oil: Applying castor oil to my belly button has supported my digestion and skin health due to its absorption properties.
- Limiting Processed Foods: I focus on whole foods while being mindful of how certain items affect my well-being.
- Daily Sauerkraut: This probiotic-rich food has become essential for my gut health.
I plan to explore further practices to enhance my health in future posts.
Listening to your body is paramount in the pursuit of optimal health. I am grateful for the growing voices in the wellness space, and I hope my journey serves as inspiration for others seeking to live well.