By Mary Light ND MH LMT
As a long-time natural medicine practitioner and teacher, when I saw that the September article focused on “ Organize, Balance, and Adjust,” I felt I could offer some tips to make it easier for readers to use those concepts to pursue Self-Care! I will use my recent life path to show how I have been doing that.
We all have challenges we desire to overcome as time goes on- including me!
ORGANIZE
This takes time, but start somewhere and carry on! Your kitchen, refrigerator, and food pantry are fundamental sources of Health Building. They also take upkeep. Today, I am clearing out my refrigerator of any items needing to be discarded and creating space for health-giving food, beverages, and condiments.
I am organizing the fridge and freezer with superfoods in one area, produce in another, proteins in a drawer, and condiments to make everything taste good in their own area so they are easy to grab—like salsa, mustards, pickles, fermented foods, and so on.
Once we know where everything is and what we have on hand, we can put together meals, blended drinks, and creations that give us the best nutrition. Otherwise, we might feel tempted to just get fast food.
Locate healthy places you can get Carry-out from, such as a natural foods deli or a good Chinese restaurant, for times when cooking and food preparation are not going to be an option—which is realistic for the best cooks at times.
I also organize any devices and equipment—such as hand weights, straps, Yoga Toes, Dry Skin Brushes, supplements, herbs, and creams—where we can readily find them. My supplements are best organized on a 3-tiered shelf near the kitchen sink!
BALANCE
I have noticed that clients, and at times myself, may tend to dive intensely into a health program or habit only to fall off soon and not do anything!
It is ideal to be consistent- 15 minutes of stretching is better than none and better than a rigorous class that you tire of quickly.
A device for balance I discovered years ago was to set a time for 20 minutes and just get done what I could- be it laundry, cleaning, stretching, foot care, meditation, or a walk. You would be amazed at how this time management device can work to find balance and overcome Overwhelm!
ADJUST
In my experience, adjustment is gradual. If we are consistent in honoring the above two concepts—“organize and balance,” eventually, we will have created a lifestyle supporting Wellness and Health.
Adjusting infers making changes and sticking to them. Put that massage and bodywork appointment on your calendar and go to it! Experiment when it is best for you to do movement, meditation, journaling, or home care—and put that time in —which is likely an adjustment to how you currently spend your time.
When we adjust to change, we also create good boundaries and make healthy choices! I cheer you on.
Mary Light ND MH LMT
Mary is the director of ANN ARBOR SCHOOL OF MASSAGE, HERBAL & NATURAL MEDICINE. She consults and teaches natural and herbal medicine series that are open to all. She can be reached at 734-769-7794 www.naturopathicschoolofannarbor.net
