Personal / Self-care

Update about me

As our favourite Chinese take-away outlet is located in Chadstone Shopping Centre I decided to ‘hop up’ to the centre briefly, recently, on a Friday evening. I was aware that Chadstone, our local shopping centre, was becoming popular as Freedom increased but….

Definitely the worst decision – Friday evening there, no no, no!! Finding parking was abysmal – the whole world had descended on the centre. I decided to cruise around the parking area slowly and within 5 minutes succeeded in following a couple to their car. No I was not stalking them, they were aware of my presence.

As opposed to earlier times, during Covid, there were no Covid Marshalls manning the entrances to the centre. Discussions with others has confirmed that few, if any shopping centres, now have any ‘entrance monitors’ preferring that shops have their own staff, often young people, to ensure that the unvaccinated do not enter their establishment!! Unfortunately shop staff are experiencing negativity, verbal abuse and sometimes pushing and shoving from riffraff, with hundreds of incidents being reported daily.

The health and safety of others is obviously not as imperative as centre profits – companies and shareholders are the priority!

At the food outlet I inadvertently ‘jumped the queue. I was vaguely aware of a line – but decided that was for the ordering of specials rather than buying the food on display. No-one said anything – probably thinking that the elderly lady is obviously really hungry – or maybe demented; in fact I don’t think anyone was aware of my action – most being intent on looking at their phones. Having paid for the food I scooted out of the centre, praising myself as I left. But vowing – no more Chadstone on a Friday evening – especially prior to Christmas. Looking for alternatives – ideas welcome.

Not heeding my own advice

My ankles are starting to complain. Yes, I have been overeating during lockdowns and not having sufficient exercise. I can’t fool myself with the belief that the scale has erred and needs to be reset or another one bought. Yes this is definitely the least fit I have been since the age of 2 when I began running and had to be held on reins when out.

Ok I have overdone it! Ecstatic that my partner, with his golden hands and determination, had succeeded in repairing my beloved cross-trainer I went hell for leather depleting myself further in the process. I enjoyed myself but would have benefitted more had I heeded my own advice and built my stamina more slowly and surely. While I felt ok at the time it is generally the following day that we feel the impact of our actions from the previous day…certainly true for me!. I am now trying to pace myself better – remember Ros that it takes time to restore and rebuild reserves.

Approximately 2 weeks later and I wake with intense vertigo. The room continues to spin for some time. Lying down aggravates it – but sitting up is not much better. I have not experienced vertigo previously but know many people who suffer regularly from this debilitating condition. I try a few well known gentle exercises to ease my symptoms – no relief.

MY BODY HAS SPOKEN

Over the past 10 years I have attempted to focus on ‘relearning’ my body and how it functions. Unexpectedly I began experiencing some ear infections. Aware that vertigo relates to the ears and that I felt really unwell, self-care became my primary focus. I immediately sought an appointment with my general practitioner, postponed my clients and changed a hair appointment (sad but necessary).

I never do things by quarters or halves – I had ear infections in both ears!! Ok I have realized that our immunity is lower as a result of all the lockdowns BUT 2 INFECTIONS SIMULTANEOUSLY – that’s a first!!

While waiting for my prescription to be filled I walked to the small supermarket nearby to buy some comfort/sympathy food. Do I really need it – NO, but I want it! Compromise – I bought a couple of small items. Yay.

I started the prescribed antibiotics immediately and will definitely complete the course of medication – all too often people abandon the regimen when they begin to feel better. I want to build my immunity not deplete it further.

Many years ago a pharmacist provided extremely valuable advice that I have continued to heed – always ensure that you take acidophilus while using an antibiotic. Take the acidophilus about 3 hours later. Furthermore it is advisable to persevere with the probiotic after the antibiotic course ends. A good pharmacist is worth their weight in gold, or at today’s prices, platinum.

Building Resources

So what can I do to rebuild my resources? No shortcuts!!! I need to heed my body and advice more, for starters. My healing has begun but I have yet to reach my destination. Perseverance over time is required. My batteries are still extremely depleted.

Consequently I have compiled a list of ideas to assist me in my quest for improved health. I do not, however, ascribe specific times to particular aims as that places unnecessary pressure on me and my goals.

My List

• Eat more healthy food – i.e. cut the snacks including chocolate and chips – my favourites.
• Drink more water and green tea.
• Go to bed earlier – don’t continue to play games in bed, chill to music instead.
• Pace my walking – 5,000 steps a day max, not 5 kms a day.
• Do some restorative yoga – 15 mins a few times a week will make a difference
• Decrease ‘blogging’ at present and rest instead – will try!
• Limit my practice to existing clients – have improved significantly on this front, learned the words “No, sorry”.

Best of all I am taking leave from the 20th Dec, this year, for 3-4 weeks and I aim to do as little as possible. As a DOER I need to remember that relaxation is indeed doing something important…………………………… IT IS ESSENTIAL – NOT A WASTE OF TIME!!!

Having decided to holiday at home affords me the opportunity of rest, relaxation and recreation without any pressure……..I can choose what I want to do and when I want to do it. There are no suitcases to pack, accommodation/s to arrange, long car journeys, dealing with new airport rules, asking a neighbour to collect my mail.

BLISS – best of all TIME TO HEAL. I am learning the importance of SELF-CARE.

Take care, stay safe, remember that smiling and laughter are good for all of us.