I'm always urging those around me to listen to their bodies, go with the flow etc etc; and you'll be pleased to know that I do take my own advice!
It's now 6 weeks since my major spinal surgery and my recovery is ahead of what would normally be expected, but then I have been listening to my own body! I was horrified when I was discharged from hospital, and the physio announced that I needed to begin some pretty rigorous exercises straight away. I knew my body couldn't do it then. The booklet they gave me explaining what you should be able to do and by when (light housework after 3 days, if you work in an office, return to work after 1 week etc) left me feeling like a complete failure. There was no way on this earth that my body was anywhere near ready to do any of this. So I put the booklet away and chose to listen to my body instead.
My body just wanted and needed to rest, rest, sleep and then rest some more. So I listened to it and followed what it told me. When I felt like getting off the bed and moving around, I did, but did no more than my poor traumatized body could manage; and I ignored the physio instructions.
I also listened (and still am) to my body in terms of what foods it was wanting. Strangely enough, it has been mega amounts of salmon, pilchards and sardines; all wonderful oil fishes rich in Omega 3; AND I've been taking a daily dose of whole fish oils as well! Apart from that, huge amounts of protein, grapes, Marmite and bananas; very little chocolate!
This morning I had pilchards in tomato sauce on toast for breakfast, tonight I have just prepared a delicious dish of Coconut & Lime Baked Sardines; chock full of fish, Pak Choi and cherry tomatoes in a lovely sauce made from lime juice, coconut milk and Thai Red Curry paste. It is a feast for the eyes, body and soul! (See picture below).
Once I'd finished the preparation, I read the blurb at the bottom of the recipe and I quote: "Sardines are an abundant source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, plus protein to help maintain muscle mass and facilitate healing....."
By listening to my body, I have been giving myself the best foods which in turn are acting as medicine for me. My sciatic nerves have been inflamed for years and have played up a bit since the surgery - well they were pulled around a bit. My healing has been far quicker than predicted or expected and I have surprised even the medical staff with how well I can move and how much I can do.
But then I have listened to my body and given it what it needed, whether that was rest, pilchards or gentle exercise.. And in listening to my body and responding to it, I have been loving and nurturing myself. Love is the greatest healer of all.
What is your body telling you? How are you loving yourself?
It's now 6 weeks since my major spinal surgery and my recovery is ahead of what would normally be expected, but then I have been listening to my own body! I was horrified when I was discharged from hospital, and the physio announced that I needed to begin some pretty rigorous exercises straight away. I knew my body couldn't do it then. The booklet they gave me explaining what you should be able to do and by when (light housework after 3 days, if you work in an office, return to work after 1 week etc) left me feeling like a complete failure. There was no way on this earth that my body was anywhere near ready to do any of this. So I put the booklet away and chose to listen to my body instead.
My body just wanted and needed to rest, rest, sleep and then rest some more. So I listened to it and followed what it told me. When I felt like getting off the bed and moving around, I did, but did no more than my poor traumatized body could manage; and I ignored the physio instructions.
I also listened (and still am) to my body in terms of what foods it was wanting. Strangely enough, it has been mega amounts of salmon, pilchards and sardines; all wonderful oil fishes rich in Omega 3; AND I've been taking a daily dose of whole fish oils as well! Apart from that, huge amounts of protein, grapes, Marmite and bananas; very little chocolate!
This morning I had pilchards in tomato sauce on toast for breakfast, tonight I have just prepared a delicious dish of Coconut & Lime Baked Sardines; chock full of fish, Pak Choi and cherry tomatoes in a lovely sauce made from lime juice, coconut milk and Thai Red Curry paste. It is a feast for the eyes, body and soul! (See picture below).
Once I'd finished the preparation, I read the blurb at the bottom of the recipe and I quote: "Sardines are an abundant source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, plus protein to help maintain muscle mass and facilitate healing....."
By listening to my body, I have been giving myself the best foods which in turn are acting as medicine for me. My sciatic nerves have been inflamed for years and have played up a bit since the surgery - well they were pulled around a bit. My healing has been far quicker than predicted or expected and I have surprised even the medical staff with how well I can move and how much I can do.
But then I have listened to my body and given it what it needed, whether that was rest, pilchards or gentle exercise.. And in listening to my body and responding to it, I have been loving and nurturing myself. Love is the greatest healer of all.
What is your body telling you? How are you loving yourself?
Coconut and Lime Baked Sardines, courtesy of the cookbook 'Nourish'.
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