I woke up recently and my room was spinning…well, it wasn’t actually spinning, it just felt like it was. I waited a few minutes for it to pass, it didn’t. I woke up the next day and assumed it would be gone, it wasn’t. I kept dreaming I was on a ship and the seas were rough, I was being pitched all around. Vertigo is an interesting thing, it took me down and out. I could not drive, work, exercise, or even do small tasks. I had to rely on others for support, food, and, transportation. I was dizzy and nauseous, and increasingly irritable.
The lesson for me was around extreme self-care. I was busy at work with patients, traveling, launching products, writing articles, and more and it all felt wonderful. I really felt like I was on a roll. However, during this roll I was skipping meals, getting to bed late, exercising sporadically, and kind-of meditating. Vertigo was a wake-up call!
I truly believe that we get ill as a way for our bodies to get us back on track. If we do not properly honor our physical and emotional needs we get sick so it forces us to rest, re-set, and re-evaluate. The more off track we are and the longer we mistreat ourselves, the more serious the disease.
Energetically vertigo is related to not having complete balance in life. Naturopaths have put forth that the people who experience vertigo may suffer unresolved feelings about taking their lives in new directions. As I work towards new goals this resonates with me. The symptoms I experienced made me slow down and practice a lot more self-care.
Self-care is about the simple things…Here is a list of self-care practices that are must dos:
Eat Well – Eat lots of vegetables, eat home-cooked healthy meals, eat mindfully (don’t just inhale your food), eat at regular times, don’t skip meals, avoid processed junk
Rest Your Body and Mind – Meditate at least 15 minutes a day, get to bed before 11pm, get rid of electronics in your sleep space, limit TV time
Move and Groove – Move your body, anyway you can, it will improve your mood, body, and energy level.
Emotional Upkeep – Ditch the emotional turmoil. Harboring fear, worry, anger, resentment, or anxiety can do a number on our physical bodies. Learn to forgive yourself and others, manage stress, hire a therapist or coach if you need to, but do not keep a bunch of feelings welled up inside. Foster joy and happiness and think good thoughts.
Advice I Give Myself 