Ever wondered why some many of us

• Get colds just as we take a holiday?
• Get a headache when we are stressed?
• Suffer with tummy ache when nervous [butterflies]?
• Have recurrent health problems?

Couples getting married are said to get cold feet before tying the knot, but have you ever wondered how that saying came about? Nowadays it’s common knowledge, that when we feel threatened or nervous, adrenalin makes our blood flow to our vital organs. Hence, we have less blood supply to the extremities (feet/hands).

Society today, operates at a much faster pace than years ago. Chances are most of us are missing the early clues of emotional distress/unease, as we busily getting on with our lives.

So how can you help yourself?

• Start listening to your body – what part of your body isn’t doing so well 
• Track your symptoms and note what’s happening in your life
• Get checked out to eliminate/treat medical issues (and note if they are recurrent)

 What can I do if I notice bad health patterns/habits?

 * Adapt healthier living habits (drink plenty of water, eat nutritious food, exercise doing something you enjoy, get plenty of rest/sleep, reduce caffeine and alcohol/drug intake)

* Put time aside in your day (preferably) or week to relax/unwind – acknowledge the good aspects of your life and those you wish to change

* Try some natural therapies – they can help manage stress and alleviate early signs/symptoms of illness

* Enjoy the little things in life – walk in bushland/at the beach, call a friend, have a picnic.

* Treat yourself – take a break, get a regular massage

Done all this and still not happy with your health?

Your emotional wellbeing is an integral part of staying healthy. Cold feet are one example of how our physical body shows our mind is going through stress or challenging times. Sometimes we need a little guidance to help us to understand what this means and how we can help our body cope.

This may mean taking time out to focus on our emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s a chat with a good friend or a professional counsellor, a little can go a long way.

Prefer to talk to someone is confidence?

www.mindmassage.com.au/contact.html

Tag Team

If you’re a household where there are 2 caretakers, play tag-team.  Whether it’s one night on, one off, or half the night on/half off – at least you get some period(s) of reasonable sleep.  When it’s your turn to sleep, use ear plugs to muffle sound.  That way, one person may be reasonably refreshed in the morning. 

Parenting alone

Whether you’re a single parent or your partner is away with work a lot, you have double the load and could be more vulnerable to exhaustion.  Make sleeping your priority.  If your baby sleeps, you sleep.  I know there is 100 reasons why you think that your sleep comes second.  However if you deprive your body of sleep, it stops functioning.

- Rest up when the baby does.  Even 30 minutes can give an exhausted body/mind a small boost. 

- Call a friend/family member to sit with your baby for a few hours while you grab some sleep (understanding people will listen to your needs)

- Ask a friend/family member to help with chores.  If you have a wide-circle of friends, rotate the requests so they can share the helping.  If you’re too tired, ask a dear friend to do up a roster.

- Eat well!!  Tried to drive a car without petrol?  Doesn’t function.  Neither does your body.  If you are sleep-deprived it increasese the need for good nutritious foods, especially those that support the nervous system.  (Ask a naturopath if you need guidance).  Ask a friend to cook you dinner if you’re exhausted.

- Lots of natural therapies can ease stress/strain – massage, yoga, meditation, homeopathy.

- Exercise – I know it’s the last thing you want to do.  Your baby may sleep in the pram, offering you some quiet head space.  Grab your Ipod – well chosen music lifts moods!

- Financial well-off but friend poor.  Hire a nanny for a few hours/days, to help you get some rest.  Have a healthy meal out.  Getting out the door can energise your spirits.

- Join a mothers group – do mum/bub yoga.  It can help to know you’re not alone.  Normalising challenging times can ease addition strain that some mum’s feel.

Need help finding resources, check out

www.bubhub.com.au

Feel like you’ve lost your way a little, get a little support, check out

www.mindmassage.com.au/contact.html