"If any thing is scared, the human body is sacred. "-Walt Whitman
Seriously though, the human body is outstanding. It knows everything it has to do in order to survive and will keep you alive at any costs.
Unfortunately I had to learn this the hard way, but it allowed me to respect what my body needs in a whole new perspective.
Our bodies are incredible machines that know without a doubt what we need at any given moment.
During recovery I abused my body in ways I can't even fathom. For the longest time my body survived on almost zero calories, absolutely no fat, and crazy amounts of rigorous exercise every day. No wonder it responded the way it did: low blood pressure, low heart rate, dizziness, brain fogging, irritability, loss of concentration, etc.
Starving myself to the point of almost death twice, took my body through the ringer and yet it held on and pulled through. It did anything and everything to keep me alive. So I think I owe something to it in return.
10 Things I Owe to My body and You Should Too
1. Large amounts of good food. No matter what you're Ed tells you, the body cannot run on empty. It just doesn't work. Your body needs food in order to run smoothly.
2. Self love hugs. Your whole body and mind thrives on love so look into the mirror and give yourself a big hug. Show your body how much you care about it and how much you appreciate what it's done for you.
3. Hot showers. Let the water run over your body and imagine that it is washing away all the pain, all of the days worries, and by the end you are brand new and ready to start again.
4. Long bubble baths. Give your body time to relax into a hot bath filled with bubbles. You'll love it and your body will thank you.
5. Kind words. How can you expect your body to be kind to you if you are not going to be kind to it? It's a two way relationship that you have and you have to be nice in order for your body to be nice back. Say something loving towards your body today.
6. Healthy fats and oils. Is your hair flat and dull, do your nails look chipped and frail, is your skin dry? Adore your body enough to take care of it and feed it some fat! Avocados, almond butter, nuts, and coconut oil will do the trick!
7. No more body shaming. Do you bash your body when it's not listening? Well stop it. Learn to say only nice things about yourself or say nothing at all. After all, your body has never said bad things about you.
8. No more hunger. If you're hungry, eat. It's as simple as that. Don't let your body sit there and starve, you're not doing yourself any good and you're only doing worse for your body. If it's asking for some food, nourish it.
9. Relaxation. Teach yourself how to take a day to relax. Don't do anything to cause stress. Instead just ask yourself what you really want to do. Read, write, do yoga, meditate, or sleep even. Just be at peace with yourself and take a breath.
10. And lots of trust and listening. If you don't stop and listen to what your body is trying to tell you, you'll stay on the same road as you're on right now. Tune into what it's saying and listen closely. It knows best.
{p.s. if you enjoyed this post, please share it with others who you think could benefit!}
xoxo
Tayla