We are not taught how to care for this machine, this body that is here to guide us through everything life can throw at you.
We are not shown how to eat healthily, how to balance work with pleasure, how to be kind to our emotions, how to move our body daily (not as a maybe - sometimes - luxury, but as a must do).
We are shown from a young age that hard work is what pays off, and the harder you work the better. We are shown that fast food is ok, (if it means you can work harder and longer hours). We are shown that expressing your feelings can get you in trouble, can cause judgement from others and is self indulgent. I look around me, and I see people racing through life, barely noticing the miracle of their surroundings. Not taking note of how much stress their body is under as it tries to regenerate, to heal, to recover from the demands we are placing on it.
Then middle age hits, and ailments creep in, and we say "oh, that's what happens when you reach...." But is it? Does it have to be that way? I believe so many people have NO idea how great they could be feeling!
So what to do. It's time to slow down. Take notice. Take back some of your daily time, to be present. To check in. How are you feeling? How is your body feeling? How are you feeling emotionally? What is bringing a smile to you today? Have you asked those you love, how they are feeling today?
Then, take stock of what you are fuelling your body with. I am an emotional eater. I have my go-to comfort foods. I have learned, though, to ask myself, is this bringing health + abundance, is it providing fuel for my body that nourishes it? Or is it providing work for my body to break down and dispel it? I still have treats! I'm no saint! But I aim for a minimum of 85% of my intake to be wholefood, plant based, unprocessed, nutrient dense. Food that nourishes my body and mind. The rest of it is just a drug, calling me back for more, but taking me nowhere.
I use Essential Oils as a tool for daily personal check ups. How am I feeling? There is an oil that might support that. LifeLong Vitality (an incredible supplement range by doTerra) boosts all the natural vitamins, minerals, nutrients to keep me humming through the day.
My oils support me having a deep, good quality sleep and I try my best to get the 8 hours I know I need. I drink water, all day every day. Lemon in there helps me do this (because otherwise I find it hard)
I do Yoga and meditate. I spend time in nature. This helps me to tune into my own feelings. I really try at all times to follow my Mother's advice and "Don't sweat the small stuff". Let go of other people's actions and know I am doing the best I can in every situation. Let go of others expectations.
Our body is in a constant state of healing. We can help it, so that it vibrates at it's highest potential, or we can get in it's way, making the job harder and distracting our system with all kinds of jobs, instead of thriving the way it could.