{"id":124622,"date":"2024-02-27T08:57:12","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T15:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/?p=124622"},"modified":"2024-03-03T11:17:03","modified_gmt":"2024-03-03T18:17:03","slug":"time-to-heal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bemorewithless.com\/time-to-heal\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Simple Ways To Take Time To Heal"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

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Note: This article on taking time to heal is written by contributing writer, Tammy Strobel.<\/em><\/p>\r\n

Have you ever struggled to slow down; especially when you’re healing from an illness or injury? If you answered \u201cyes\u201d to that question, I empathize and relate. Last year, I experienced some health challenges. I\u2019m followed my doctor\u2019s advice, and I feel much better now. The experience reminded me to slow down and rest. Without enough rest, healing is challenging. This is a lesson I continue to learn again and again. Maybe you can relate to that conundrum, too?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this article, I\u2019ll share simple ways that have helped me take time to heal. Also, the information provided in this piece is based on my life experience, and it is not<\/em> medical advice. If you are struggling with an injury or illness, please consult a medical doctor.\u00a0I hope the ideas below inspire you to take care of yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Feeling guilty for taking time to heal makes healing harder.<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Logically, I understand that healing takes time. I shouldn\u2019t feel guilty for taking time off of work or for saying \u201cno\u201d to requests. After all, I\u2019m not a robot. And yet, guilt still seeps into my consciousness.\u00a0Resting isn\u2019t easy for me because I don\u2019t like being \u201cunproductive\u201d or letting people down; especially at work. Instead of being hard on myself, I\u2019ve used my health challenge as a prompt to reevaluate my work life and daily routines. For example, I paused a few creative projects and I\u2019m taking a break from volunteering.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

I continue to remind myself that healing is its own form of work. Taking the time to rest \u2013 and heal \u2013 is more important than trying to do all<\/em> the things. If I don\u2019t take care of my body and mind, I\u2019m not a good spouse, friend, employee, or community member.\u00a0As author and Nap Ministry<\/a> founder Tricia Hersey said<\/a>, \u201c \u2026 I think rest is important for everyone, not just marginalized groups; this is a global message for an entire culture that is brainwashed, abused, and exploited by nonstop labor. People are really disconnected from their own bodies and spirits.\u201d\u00a0Hersey\u2019s words reminded me to slow down, focus on healing, and to stay connected to my body.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

10 Simple Ways to Encourage You To Take Time To Heal<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Healing can be frustrating because it takes me out of my daily routine. Plus, the healing process can be even more challenging with a chronic condition.\u00a0Below is a list of 10 simple ways that have helped me feel better while healing. The list below is in no particular order, and I hope the ideas inspire you to take care of your body and mind.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1.) Get enough sleep & take naps\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Getting enough sleep<\/a> is a delight; especially when I\u2019m healing. I\u2019m also grateful to be self-employed because I\u2019m able to adjust my work schedule based on my needs. For example, when I recovered from surgery in 2021 this was incredibly helpful. I structured my days so that I could work a little bit (and take much needed naps). Take care and sleep well<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2.) Make your space cozy<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I bought a new couch. We also purchased new blankets for our home<\/a>, too. We\u2019d been thinking of buying these items for years. I don\u2019t regret it! Our couch and blankets make our living space cozy. Plus, I love resting on the couch. I snuggle with my cat, bird watch, and take time to appreciate the clouds<\/a>.\u00a0Looking for more ideas to make your space cozy? Read The Little Book of Hygge:<\/a> Danish Secrets to Happy Living<\/em> by Meik Wiking.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3.) Savor a hot beverage\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

I enjoy drinking \u2013 and savoring \u2013 a hot beverage because it\u2019s comforting. For instance, I love chamomile tea with oat milk and honey, or decaf coffee with a dash of oat milk. Based on my doctor\u2019s guidance, I\u2019ve removed caffeine<\/a> from my diet. Kicking my caffeine habit has been challenging, and it\u2019s part of my healing process. It\u2019s also been fun to try new caffeine-free drinks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

4.) Distract yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When I\u2019m not feeling well, I try to distract myself. Focusing on something other than pain helps me feel a little bit better. Some of my favorite distractions include Ludovico Einaudi\u2019s music<\/a>, romance novels, and podcasts. Recently, I read a series of books<\/a> about vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. The books helped me escape into another world and forget about my health woes.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

5.) Ask for support<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Whether it\u2019s dealing with an arthritis flare-up or recovering from surgery, I\u2019ve learned how vital it is to ask for support. Asking for help is something I still struggle with, and I\u2019m getting better at it. I\u2019ve learned that my loved ones \u2013 and medical professionals \u2013 want to help. However, I have to be willing to ask for support.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

6.) Start a delight practice<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ross Gay\u2019s<\/a> prose and poetry inspired some of my recent photography<\/a> and journaling practices. Noticing what delights me always lifts my spirits; especially when I\u2019m struggling with negative thoughts<\/a>. For example, a few days ago I was writing at a local coffee shop. I was feeling sad and frustrated. However, my mood improved after I talked to two fellow patrons about their attire. The women were wearing matching dresses because they planned on pranking their kids. I aided their efforts by taking photos of them. The exchange immediately lifted my mood, and made me smile.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

7.) Move slowly\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

I love riding my bike, taking long walks, and lifting weights. In essence, movement<\/a> brings me joy, happiness, and it helps me cope with anxiety. But, when I\u2019m healing from an illness or injury, moving like I\u2019m used to isn\u2019t possible.\u00a0Instead, I move slowly. For example, I\u2019ll take a very<\/em> slow 10-minute walk in my neighborhood or I\u2019ll do a few yoga poses. A little bit of slow movement boosts my energy.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

8.) Feel your feelings<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When I ignore my feelings, I end up feeling anxious and frustrated. I\u2019ve learned to give myself permission to feel angry, frustrated, and to cry; especially after receiving a scary diagnosis or when I\u2019m recovering from an injury. I love my body, and sometimes it can be frustrating and annoying. Acknowledging this reality helps me feel less alone.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

9.) Be kind to yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

One way I cope with negative thoughts<\/a> is by being kind to myself. I would never tell a loved one to \u201cheal faster\u201d or \u201cto be more productive\u201d while they were recovering. So why would I do that to myself? Instead of being mean to myself, I try to be empathetic, kind, and to treat myself like my best friend. This reframing strategy has improved my mental health and boosted my happiness<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

10.) Make a healing list\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Get out your journal<\/a> or use a note taking app<\/a> on your phone. Then, make a list of 10 things that make you feel better while you heal. As you write, think about the activities, people, and places that make you feel calm, safe, and relaxed. For instance, I revisit the list I shared in this piece frequently. When I\u2019m tempted to push myself too hard, my list keeps me grounded. Remember, healing takes time. Healing isn\u2019t a race, so be kind to yourself, ask for help, and slow down while you recover.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Resources to help you slow down and heal<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Looking for more inspiration to help you slow down and heal? Explore the resource list below:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n