I didn’t go to my pilates class tonight. I’m at home eating
a tofu stirfry that my husband cooked. Then I’m going to have a hot bath, do
some yoga and read a book in bed. I had a big day at work and I know that if I
push myself today, that tomorrow I won’t have much to give to my clients, but
more importantly, to myself.
It is so incredibly important right now to take extra care
of ourselves. Everyone seems to be rushing around, constantly overcommitted having
one too many late nights infused with alcohol. Then having an extra flat white
the next day to make it through til 5pm.
The most frequent condition I see each February in my clinic
is adrenal exhaustion. Simply because people push themselves beyond their
limits though the silly season and then they get to February and collapse in a
heap. Their body has pumped out all the adrenaline it can and they have to drag
themselves again and start catching every cold that goes around.
So let this year be different! Live in the present moment
because it’s still 2012. Listen to how your body is feeling and have an early
night if you feel like you need it. Learn to put yourself first by knowing your
limits.
But most importantly NOURSISH YOURSELF!! Regularly pause and take ten deep cleansing
breaths. Sit yourself down with a pot of tea and read a good book. Put your
gardening gloves on and play around in your backyard. Book in a massage or
reflexology treatment. Listen to your fave CD and dance around the room.
Top 5 Things I LOVED This Wk:
1. Going for a walk around the block just before dark and
seeing all the twinkling Christmas tree lights in people’s homes. (In a totally
non-stalkerish way of course!)
2. The smell of incense and fresh rain while I sat at my
desk (the coffee table) and did bookwork.
3. Walking from the bathroom to the bedroom and catching a
glimpse of my husband vacuuming the kitchen table.
4. Going on a spontaneous camping trip down the coast on
Friday night. We left home at 7pm and arrived at the national park after 9. I
woke up early Sat morning and drew back the (pirate print) curtains in the vans
and was overwhelmed by our beautiful surrounds.
5. Roadside fruit stalls that sell stone fruit that are as
cheap as chips.
When your head is racing, stop. Take a deep breath and
remind yourself to live in the present moment.
We’re currently (eye)balls deep in the silly season. For a
lot of people the celebrations start the first week on Summer and carry on til
mid Jan. So it seemed appropriate to share with you my top 5 hangover tips.
1. Spirulina: Before hitting the
sack take a six 500mg spirulina tablets to top up your nutrient levels that get
depleted while drinking. The chlorophyll which gives spirulina it’s vibrant green
colour is a fantastic blood cleanser. The other option is to throw a teaspoon
into your banana smoothie the next day.
2. Nux vomica: Pop these little
homeopathic pills under your tongue if you're feeling queasy and they'll set
you on the right track.
3. Hydration: This is your time to
drink (water) like a fish. Water is going to flush out all those nasty toxins
from the alcohol. Booze turns off ADH (anti-diuretic hormone) in our brain
therefore you pee more than normal which is dehydrating. The trick is to add a
pinch of pink Himalayan salt to your glass of water to replace your
electrolytes. It’s got over 100 different minerals in it and will help you
absorb more water.
4. Avoid coffee: Caffeine is going
to dehydrate you even more which is the last thing you need at this stage. Get
into dandelion tea or some green tea.
5. Ginger tea: Grate or slice up
some fresh ginger, throw in a slice of lemon and a little honey. The ginger
acts as an anti-emetic (anti-spew) and the lemon will help to stimulate liver
function.
So have fun kids and don't
do anything I wouldn't do...
Emma the Naturopath xx
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