No matter what health issues you’re facing, there’s always hope. Even if your issue is chronic, there are things, you can still do things to improve the way it affects your life. And knowing this can help you keep that positive frame of mind.
This isn’t to say that you’re not allowed to have bad days. Or to have moments when you want to scream and yell. This isn’t to minimize the frustration that comes when health can be a challenge.
But today, we’re looking at some of the common steps which can often lead to an improvement in your health. These can help no matter what kind of underlying obstacles there might be. And as long as there’s hope, the game ain’t over. So here are some ways to get healthier when dealing with a health obstacle.
Get Back To Basics
Regardless of what might be going on for you health-wise, you can always improve the situation by getting back to basics. The simple acts of eating whole foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting a decent amount of varied exercise builds resilience. And this can minimize symptoms.
Does your health obstacle get in the way of running? Try yoga. Is yoga even too strenuous in your current health state? What about gentle or restorative yoga? You need to adapt your routine to your current physical needs. Even simple walking counts when it hurts to move.
Simplifying your routine might be emotionally challenging if you view food and drink as comfort. So don’t start with an all or nothing attitude. Set an easy goal, like drinking a single glass of water a day. And see if it makes you feel good. If so, maybe you’ll opt for a second.
And don’t take an overly strict attitude. All of this should be done to help you feel good. And you won’t feel good if you’re beating yourself up emotionally. Small changes are much better than none at all!
Look Into Alternatives
The first answer isn’t always the best. And it certainly isn’t the only answer. Many people use alternative treatments to complement their traditional therapies.
Maybe you want to try acupuncture, visit a dispensary for herbal options, or experiment with meditation. All of these have been used historically to support conventional treatment. It’s worth looking into and talking to your doctor about when necessary.
Some types of alternative treatments are covered by insurance. For instance, acupuncture is a covered cost on many plans. And if it’s not covered, you can look for discounted or free student treatments under teacher supervision.
Keep The Stress Down
All health issues have one thing in common. The more stress you have in your life, the worse that condition will be. Which is unfortunate, because dealing with any debilitating or chronic condition is stressful.
If you struggle to manage your stress, then it will absolutely have a negative effect on your health. Finding ways to keep the stress down is hugely important, as it ensures that you’re going to be able to take much better care of your health automatically. So how do you do this?
There are herbs that help with stress like kava kava, valerian, and dong quai. But talk with your doctor before taking them. Herbal supplements can interfere with medications. Essential oils like lavender and bergamot can also be relaxing. And they’re usually safe to apply externally while taking medications.
Just taking a short break to slow down your heart rate can also be helpful. Close your eyes and slowly count to ten. Remember, I said SLOWLY! Shutting out outside stimulation while slowing yourself down helps when you feel stress levels creeping up.
Don’t give up hope
I know this is easier said and done. And when you’re in a place you’d rather not be, nothing can make it feel right. But this is when hope is all you have left. So give it a try. Because hope is the ultimate boost when facing any health challenge.
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