Your body is talking to you. Pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, brain fog, headaches, insomnia, heartburn, indigestion, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and stubborn belly fat are not the enemies. These symptoms are signals. Your body is communicating with you. It’s asking you to slow down and take a moment to listen. Ask yourself why are you suffering with these symptoms. What does your body need to heal?
Your mind may immediately jump to what diagnostic testing or medication would solve the mystery and treat your problems, but I encourage you to step back and take a holistic view of your life. What’s out of balance? Let’s examine ten fundamental areas of a healthy life. Here are some questions to ponder:
- Mindset – how is your thought life?
- Fuel – what foods and liquids are you putting into your body?
- Connection – do you have loving relationships in your life? How connected do you feel with Spirit?
- Beauty – is there time and space in your life for enjoying the arts and nature?
- Play – how much fun and joyful movement is in your everyday routine?
- Rest – think mental, emotional, spiritual and physical rest. Is your sleep restorative?
- Work – is your work meaningful and fulfilling?
- Money – do you have financial well-being?
- Gratitude – how thankful are you for the blessings of life – great and small?
- Purpose – are you living your calling?
Heavy stuff, I know! These questions are not intended to elicit guilt or shame. I am not here to put a heavy burden on you. If you’re like me, you’re probably far from reaching mastery in most of the areas listed above. The good news is that wherever we are in life, no matter how dark the situation appears, there’s always a chance for a new beginning. There’s always hope. Always light, love and truth to guide us. I’ve been through my share of difficulties as a business owner, wife and mom of three young daughters. In the not so distant past, my life was out of balance from overwork and my body talked to me through a myriad of stress related symptoms. Although I have suffered greatly, I have learned to be grateful for the symptoms I experience and to see them as friendly reminders to take better care of my body. I’ve written my own prescription for healing:) Here it is:
- A daily practice of quiet time with God
- Nourishing my body with nutritious foods and pure water.
- Regular cardiovascular exercise with a stretching and strength training routine.
- Enjoying my work as an integrative physician and serving my patients with excellence and integrity.
- Clear and firm work-life boundaries.
- Making fresh, homemade meals for my family.
- Spending quality and quantity time with my children and husband.
- Living with intention and in accordance with my core values: joy, faith, family, fitness and balance.
- Enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude.
- Seeking out beauty in my daily life. Spending time in nature daily.
- Investing in close friendships.
- Regular fellowship with Christian believers.
- Becoming and living debt-free.
- Being courageous, telling the truth and living authentically.
- Giving back. Using my time, talent, money and energy to serve others.
Of course, this prescription will take me a lifetime to accomplish. Now it’s your turn! You can write your own prescription for a healthy life. I encourage you to take time today (how about now?) to write out what you know your body needs to heal. Use the ten categories listed above to help organize your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you. Share your story or insights. Leave a comment below or e-mail me at help@caringforthebody.org. I look forward to connecting with you again soon!
Sincerely,
Cynthia Libert, M.D.
