My healing Covid brain was as blank as the computer screen staring back at me.

New post? Meh.

After testing a rabbit hole about the veracity of the “man flu” theory – I was trying to rediscover an article from a few years back about how men may experience colds and flu differently than women – nothing jumped out at me as being particularly exciting.

The “man flu” thing was inconclusive. Apparently, women may get a stronger immune response at the onset of illness and more rapidly recover thanks to hormones. Estrogen seems to bolster immune response and testosterone dampens it. (menshealth.com, Dec. 12, 2017, Carolyn Crist)

No fireworks.

What does get me fired up is change.

We so often fight change at every turn, resisting new approaches, and relying upon the adage that personal change is impossible because, “That’s just the way I think/am/do” – “I can’t help it” – “I was brought up that way.”

What we cannot change is the past, and it’s the past that is often what’s holding us back from moving forward.

Traumatized? Abused? Lack of support?

We could all compile quite a list along with who was at fault. Perhaps we have memorized this list and revisit it every day, keeping the litany of past injuries and villains at the forefront of every thought.

Friends, we are robbing ourselves of living our present moment by holding on to the past.

Before we move forward, we must release the past.

“But he/she did me wrong!”

True enough.

How is reliving that trauma helping you now?

You can let it go. Yes, you can.

Our past has given us many lessons, required us to strengthen in ways we never imagined, and has equipped us to live in this moment – only if we allow ourselves to truly live and experience the new things.

The past must be released. Released with love and a blessing.

What?

“That stuff was bad … They were bad … There’s no love or blessing there!”

The love is for you. The blessing is for the strengthening lessons you learned along the way and for those who hurt you, that they may somehow come to know peace and move forward as well.

Do this:

Find an object you can wrap your fingers around. Cell phones and TV remotes work great; so do spoons, pens, or a marker.

Hold this object in your hand. Look at it. Get a good grip around it.

This object is symbolic of what you’re holding onto.

Hold it close to your chest because we tend to hold these things close to us, not wanting to let go.

Close your eyes and take a few slow breaths.

Thank this life lesson for what you have learned from it. It was traumatizing, yes, but you gained many life skills from this experience, and you are stronger for it.

Keep slow breathing as you consider the positive aspects gained from this trauma.

Ask yourself if you’d be willing to release this experience, letting go of the negative and those who were involved, while still retaining the positive for yourself.

If you agree to let it go – even if you don’t know exactly how you can do it – maybe you can just be willing at this point – then, as you open your eyes, bring your hand away from your chest.

Look at your grip loosen on the object. Bless once again the lessons learned and yourself, release the pain and those who caused it – blessing them as well.

Then, set the object down, releasing your hand’s connection to it.

Take another long, deep breath.

Maybe you are just going through the motions the first time you do this but keep at it each day. In time, your relationship with past traumas will shift.

My dog-eared, underlined copy of The Essential Louise Hay Collection continues to inspire. Next week, we’ll explore being willing to change.

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In health –

Deidre

Just think – the whole world is experiencing a sense of sweet anticipation! Yes, both hemispheres are gearing up for a change of seasons.

The residents of the southern hemisphere are seeing glimpses of spring. Visions of gardens, flowers, and expected harvests are lightening their spirits and putting a spring into their steps.

Those of us on top of our beautiful globe are savoring hints of cooler morning temperatures, promises of fall leaves, and a switch in appetites to soups, stews, and all things pumpkin.

Funny, three weeks ago as August was just starting to hint of changes to come, I was clinging to the essences of summer like a child not wanting to leave an amusement park, clinging to my parents, and begging for one more ride.

This week, I’ve spent a small fortune at several garden centers, buying chrysanthemums, deep-toned coleus, and decorative gourds.

I’m all in! Color me fall!

But there’s been more change in my world than just the seasons.

The focus this week has been on stress-relief.

Until I got a handle on this emotional burden, I was getting nowhere in a hurry.

You know – unable to concentrate, focus, and on the verge of tears.

Blog posts that needed to be written, a book update to complete, and a new book launch to prepare. Nope. Not getting done.

Two friends. Gone. Same week.

We’re doing all we can do to support the families left behind and are supporting the respective local communities from which our friends have come.

But what about us?

What do we do to relieve our stress? Not just stress from grief, but any kind of stress that is building up in our lives and is causing us to be less than functional?

I learned today from positivepsychology.com, that there are two distinct approaches to stress relief.

Many of us just naturally do this – I certainly did this week – without knowing about labeling or various approaches, but it’s interesting to think about.

Sometimes, we just step away to take a breather, a break. We find ways to trade in those negative emotions for something stimulating, pleasant, and positive.

From a simple walk outdoors, a vigorous game of tennis, or baking a batch of Almond Flour Cookies using quinoa flakes instead of oatmeal. Wow!

Or we might seek an activity to restore our jangled nerves, bodies, and emotions as a deeper healing is sought.

Going to that long overdue massage might do the trick.

Perhaps we gather with others to exchange words of comfort and support.

Sometimes, we know it’s time to pause for self-care – taking time for a nourishing meal and restorative sleep.

How are you handling your stress? Think about a recent stress-filled time and reflect on your approaches.

Did you take a breather/break?

Did you seek something to restore you?

What activities worked for you? Did you use these coping strategies with others? Were you supportive of others in your shared ministrations? Did you feel supported?

As we envision our future stress-relieving needs, perhaps we can be reminded that there are various approaches to coping with stress that meet different needs.

Engaging in solo activities may not be comforting when a listening ear is what we need.

Consider your needs and honor them.

In health –

Deidre

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We at FoodTalk4You.com would like to send our sincere thoughts and prayers to the Royal Family, employees, and all those who are grieving the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

May she forever rest in peace.

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I’ve been tuned into staying hydrated even more this summer than in the past. Why is that? Climate change? Getting older? 

True, younger bodies can withstand more abuse, and maybe younger people ignore the symptoms of dehydration.  

Whatever the case, ‘eating the rainbow’ to ensure proper electrolyte levels are maintained, has only partially mitigated foot and leg cramping issues at my house.  

If we are not properly and consistently hydrated, those attention-grabbing cramps will wake us up out of a sound sleep. 

Which leads me to this whole getting-dehydrated-and-suffering-from-jet-lag thing. After flying home on two, 5.5-hour flights heading East, this is foremost on my mind and body. 

Dehydration and jet lag share many of the same signs and symptoms: 

Fatigue and general malaise 

Being sleepy during the day 

Wacky sleep cycles 

Fuzzy/full feeling brain  

Headache 

Tummy issues: Gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea 

Decreased physical activity 

Our bodies need water for smooth functioning of the hormones involved with maintaining our internal clock/circadian rhythm.  

No wonder dehydration and jet lag go together. 

Did you know that the 12% humidity in an airplane is lower than the 25% humidity in the Sahara Desert?   

Coupled with the lower ambient air pressure of airplanes – which causes us to breathe more often to get in enough oxygen – we lose more moisture just breathing on a plane.  

A 1.5 – 2-liter loss of water is average for a 10-hour flight. This is happening even if you are drinking plenty of water.  

Dehydration is a real thing.  

Given that most people are mildly dehydrated most of the time while on the ground, and that we try to curtail drinking much fluid on planes because we don’t want to use those micro-lavatories, it’s easy to see why, even on shorter flights, we feel yucky after flying. 

Most of the food eaten onboard is devoid of water, as well: nuts, pretzels, and crispy cookies.  

What to do? 

After checking for advice from flightfud (they are selling water additives), Cleveland Clinic, John’s Hopkins, and Conde Nast Traveler, I can share these recommendations: 

Preflight: 

Make sure you start out well hydrated – at least 8 glasses of water a day or two in advance of departure – more if you are sweating. 

For Eastbound flights – go to bed earlier a few days prior 

For Westbound flights – stay up later 

In flight: 

Bring your own water bottle. Either fill an empty reusable after the TSA screening or buy a bottle. Consider adding electrolytes yourself or chose a brand with them. 

Sip, don’t guzzle, 8 ounces of water each hour on board, in addition to drinks, from inflight service.  

Limit or omit caffeinated beverages as they encourage water loss. This would mean most sodas and coffee. At the very least, limit to one serving per flight and drink an extra glass of water with it. 

Limit or omit alcoholic beverages. Again, at the very least, limit to one serving per flight and drink an extra glass of water along with it. 

Bring or choose high protein, low fat foods for the flight. Include consuming fruits and salads to increase fluid consumption. 

No apologies needed – you are drinking water and that means using the lavatories. This is good on several levels. Regular body movement decreases the risk of blood clots and stirring around every so often makes a happier passenger. 

Exercise every hour while you are seated. Knee lifts, flexing and extending feet to help stretch the calf muscles, and butt clenches all get the blood flowing to prevent clots. 

After flight: 

If you are arriving at your destination early in the morning, sleep as much as possible onboard: and then try to get through the day without napping and retire early. 

If you are arriving in the late evening, plan to go to bed shorty after arrival. 

A word about sleep aids.  

While some people could sleep on a meat hook, others of us have a much harder time sleeping on a plane. Noise canceling headphones and sleep masks could be a boon to getting in a few winks. 

Do not use prescription sleep aids without the advice of your doctor – especially if you do not know how you’ll respond to one.  

Most prescriptions are geared for 8 hours of sleep, which is probably longer than your flight. You do not want to be awakened in just a few hours and be required to negotiate getting off the plane and through the airport while impaired. 

Once you have arrived at your destination, continue to push fluids to stay hydrated and to facilitate recovery from time changes. 

Flying is a total body challenge, but there is plenty we can do to help the process. 

In health- 

Deidre 

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