NEW YEAR NEW ME
Healthy living plan 2018
Tick-borne infections have crippled me throughout 2017 – they are the root cause of a long list of symptoms I endure 24/7, a list that frankly is about as exhausted as I usually feel. Currently, the worst of these are blurred vision, tinnitus and a lack of concentration, which as a feature writer, you can probably imagine does not only affect my physical being.
Much of 2017 was spent trying to help myself well. Changing my life style completely. I am no longer able to over do it. And I have started to see results through diet and detox, oh and sheer determination. But no matter how much I look after myself, I know I could do more. Here are a few ways I plan to continue through 2018.
TREATING MYSELF
Splendour, serenity and satisfied are not usually words that come to mind after a trip to the hairdressers. But frankly, The Chapel is not your usual hair salon experience.
If you don’t mind, I’ll add serendipity to that ‘S’ collective as well, for I discovered The Chapel founder, Amanda Dickers grew up on a street around the corner from me, her Portsmouth roots serving her well.
Amanda understood that in order to do, you have to be. Which is a simplistic way of saying, life is all about balance, which you’ll only find if you make time for yourself. After all, you can only look after everyone else, once you’ve looked after yourself. I’m no good to my two young daughters if I’m bedridden with chronic fatigue right?
Amanda explained the philosophy at the heart of her brainchild, expressing, ‘In an evermore demanding and distracting world, it’s essential that we make the most of our often all too brief opportunities to rest and revitalise, so that we can maintain our well-being.’ And so, her franchise, The Chapel was born. I went along to check out the Tunbridge Wells branch.
Once a 19th-century Baptist chapel, there is a spiritual awe about the place. Add to that, the décor and design; the colour and the candles, the vast space and chilled music, and what you have is a simply heavenly attack on the senses, that pushes you into a relaxed state from the moment you step through the door. Calm personified, the word rush does not exist here. I’ve decided in 2018, that more relaxed ‘me-time’ is essential to my health and wellbeing.
FINDING CALM
I do need more calm in my life, as Lyme Disease can throw the central nervous system into chaos. I recently discovered a fab little book to keep out on the coffee table that I want to share… The Little Book Of Calm by Dr Aaron Balick (£6, published by Penguin) is full of little inspiring ditties, memos and activites to help manage any stressful moments.
EXERCISE
Exercise also helps with stress, but alas the Zumba class I love is out the window for now – having gone twice, my body failed me and I was laid out again. This January, I’m starting pilates, a more gentle alternative. (Don’t be fooled by the word gentle though, it’s a full on workout, just minus the bouncing about).
TAKING PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
One of the Lyme disease symptoms I’ve suffered with this year has been cystic breasts. In the last eight months I had three breast lumps drained. Fortunately, they’ve been non-cancerous cysts, but the message is there – underwire bras need to go. But those unshapely others have no panache to speak of whatsoever? I found the Miracle Bamboo Comfort Bra opened my eyes to that.
DIET
Perhaps the best way of looking after myself in 2018 is via healthy eating? The last time I was very unwell, I took a long look at my diet and began cutting out the excessive wheat, sugar and caffeine, all of which I thrived on. Instead, I supplemented with mega amounts of Vitamin C, L-Lysine and other natural remedies such as Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. Perhaps you think that sounds crazy, but seriously, do a bit of research, and it’ll start to make sense! Food can cleanse, protect and renew us!
As far as food, I’ve noticed that there are more and more places happy to bring you fresh organic produce to your door, facilitating the incorporation of extremely healthy meals into your everyday life. The Lifebox Food Company is one example, with superfood sachets, super nutrients, coconut water, herbal teas, health drinks, raw snack bars, dried fruit, seeds, nuts and more.
So what else can we all be doing to feel better in 2018? With demanding jobs and busy schedules, it’s becoming harder for parents (ét al) to strike a work home balance. With the blurring of work-life boundaries and ever increasing workloads, it is vital to readdress the balance.
Of course I could add in any one of the many wellness holiday destinations popping up all over the place, but I’m not sure I’ll be going anywhere far for the time being… accept perhaps back to Tunbridge Wells to give thanks to The Chapel?
Be kind to yourself is a motto I’ve heard a lot lately, and when I pause to think about that, I realise it’s something I have to take on board now more than ever. But it’s not me alone; we all do. In a world that in 2017, appeared to be falling apart at the seams, if you do nothing else this January towards healthy living, then give you and yours lots of love. Happy New Year!
