Self care is essential for giving our bodies a foundation for healing.
When we are stressed and our bodies are in a constant state of fight or flight we are unable to truly heal. Our nervous system plays a vital role in how our bodies respond to everyday stressors and in many aspects of our health and well-being. It guides everyday activities such as waking up; automatic activities such as breathing; and complex processes such as thinking, reading, remembering, and feeling emotions.
We need to learn that self-care isn't just about relaxing. It's about taking care of yourself emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically.
To properly care for your health and well-being, there needs to be a balance that allows you to give attention to each of these areas. Different times in life may call for more attention in one specific area In order to provide balance and address specific stressors.
I truly believe that our nervous system is one of the most important aspects of our healing process and we cannot repair other areas of our mind and body if we don’t use techniques to nurture and care for ourselves through self-care.
Holistic Habits
These are some of my favorite self care techniques and ways I care for my nervous system:
Deep Breathing
Meditation/yoga
At least 7 hours of restful sleep
Exercise
Massage
Aromatherapy
Hot bath or shower
cold plunge/shower after hot bath/shower
Reading
Unplugging from tech
Turning off wifi when possible
Cooking a healthy meal
Doing something we love
Spending time with family and friends
Laughing
Cuddling with our pets
The Lymphatic System
Our lymphatic system is how we remove toxins from our body. When we overload our system with everyday chemicals and toxins from the air we breathe, water we drink and products we put on and inside our bodies our systems can not properly get rid of waste and become toxic. We begin to feel tired, sick and other health problems start to develop. Our lymphatic system plays a vital role in how our bodies function and our overall health and vitality.
Constipation or slugging bowel function
Inability to lose weight
Soreness or stiffness in the morning
Bloating, swelling, or heaviness in extremities
Arms or hands fall asleep while sleeping
Pain, pressure, or stiffness along your spine and shoulders
Sore breast or breast swelling with your menstrual cycle
Itchy skin
Acne, dry skin or other skin issues
Headaches
Brain fog
Swollen lymph nodes or tonsils
Lack of energy
Recurrent sore throats
Morning mucous
Mucous drainage (especially after dairy or flour)
Fluid backup in the ear (especially in children)
Ear popping and ringing
Reduced ability to fight infection (frequent cold or flu)
Some symptoms our lymph system may be not draining properly are:
Exposure to chemicals
Not drinking enough water
Gut Imbalance
Things that can cause a backed up lymph system:
Processed foods and seed oils
Lack of movement
Stress
