Taking Care of My Health is the Only New Year's Resolution I Need To Make in 2019

Happy New Year 2019!!

I know, I know, it’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog. To be honest, it’s been a tough few months. Between work and the holidays, it got a little crazy in my neck of the woods. What made it worse is I got really sick right after Thanksgiving.  It started as a cold, but became worse over the next month. I have to admit, I did not take care of myself whatsoever. I kept plugging along, full speed ahead. I pushed myself even harder because I wanted to make a little more money and take time off at the end of the December. Because I became so sick, I missed a Christmas play with friends, lunch with friends, and family time. I was on antibiotics and still wasn’t getting any better. The entire household got sick, but I was the only one who didn’t recover. That is when I knew I had to slow down. I was tired and  was walking around like a zombie. I had never felt this bad. When I wasn’t getting any better, I began to get scared. I thought “maybe there is something else going on.” I saw in the news how the flu and pneumonia were causing death in children and adults. I contemplated going back to the doctor again. I decided to do a little research on flus and pneumonia and saw the best cure was rest and staying hydrated. Oh wait, that is what the doctor said when she gave me my antibiotic in the beginning. Oops. Well, after a few days off from work, social media and life, I got better in time for Christmas. 

So why am I telling you this? TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH. If it is the one New Year’s resolution you need to make, do it! I know I am. I never want to feel this bad again.. 

I encourage my clients to boost their confidence and self-esteem by taking care of themselves. Well guess who wasn’t listening to her own advice? Well not anymore!  I decided I need to take care of myself. Bad health is no joke and I want to be around to support, encourage and motivate all of you to live your best life.

Here is a list of what I am doing to take care of myself. Hopefully, it can help you too.  

1. Drink plenty of water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water or tea will work. Spice up your water with fruit. Clean out those toxins.
2. Wash your hands with soap frequently. We touch a lot of things that contain germs. Shopping carts, public transportation handles, bathroom doors, etc. If you have sanitizer to tie you over, use it. Then wash your hands when you hit the bathroom.
3.  Eat more fruits and veggies. I won’t even begin to tell you the junk food I was eating during my sickness. How can you heal your body with chips and candy    
4. Call in sick if you are not feeling well. I know, you want to save your sick time for vacation right? : - )  No seriously, call in sick so you can rest and you don’t contaminate the office. One day staying home makes a huge difference. Your health is not worth stacking your sick hours. If you don’t use 8 hours now, you may be using many more if it turns into something more serious.
5. Get enough sleep. I’m not going to tell you need  8 hours a night.You know your body. Some people are good after 6 hours. However, if you are burning the candle at both ends, that is not good. Get the sleep you need. Unless you are a heart or brain surgeon, ER staff, active military during war or an OBGYN, whatever you are doing, can wait until the morning.
6. Exercise. Whatever works for you, do it. Walking, running, weight lifting, yoga, martial arts, tai chi, dance, etc. Move that body. Get the blood moving.
7. Dust, vacuum, wash your sheets weekly. I know. I don’t like chores either, however, it makes huge difference. Make it fun. Put on some good tunes and start the vacuum. Dust mites and dirt are everywhere. It can’t be good for our immune systems.
8. Be still. This may be prayer, meditation, mindfulness, whatever it takes for you to be still. We are so used to rippin and runnin, it’s not a surprise we are stressed out, burnt out and sick. Slow down. Even if it is 5 to 10 minutes. ​

Remember, your health is so important. You only get one body. Treat it like a temple.

What about you? How are you going to take care of yourself in 2019?

Many Blessings,

Mpho
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