I want to get real with you about something that I think a lot of us struggle with but don’t always talk about openly—taking care of ourselves, both physically and emotionally. I know I’ve had my own journey with this, and I want to share some of what I’ve learned in hopes that it might resonate with you too.
You Are What You Consume
You know, we’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat,” but I think it goes even deeper than that. It’s not just about the food we put in our bodies, but also what we drink, what we smoke, and what we surround ourselves with. All of these things have a massive impact on our overall emotional health and wellbeing, and it’s something I didn’t fully grasp for a long time. Understanding how what you eat affects your emotional health has been a key part of my healing journey.
My Wake-Up Call
I’ll be honest, there was a period in my life where I was treating myself like crap. I was over-drinking, over-smoking, overeating, not exercising, and not getting enough rest. And you know what? It caught up with me. I started having panic attacks and even ended up in the hospital a couple of times thinking I was having a heart attack. It was a wake-up call, but even then, I struggled to make changes.
The Role of Shame
Looking back, I realize that a big part of what was holding me back was shame. I thought that I was the only one dealing with these issues, that it was my fault I couldn’t just “man up” and fix it. But through a lot of work with therapists, coaches, and friends, I’ve come to understand that we’re all imperfect, and we’re all just doing the best we can.
The Power of Movement
One of the biggest game-changers for me has been learning to move my body in ways that feel good. Whether it’s going for a walk, doing yoga, hiking, running, or lifting weights at the gym, I’ve found that getting my body moving helps quieten my overactive mind. It’s not about being perfect or pushing myself to the limit, but rather about consistency and finding activities that I genuinely enjoy. This is one of the mental health benefits of regular physical activity I’ve experienced—improved physical and emotional health.
Mindful Consumption
Another crucial aspect has been being mindful of what I put into my body. Mindful eating and its impact on health cannot be overstated. Drinking plenty of water, being aware of how certain foods make me feel (especially as I get older), and being honest with myself about my relationship with alcohol and other substances. It’s an ongoing journey, and I still have my moments of overindulgence, but I’m learning to approach it with less shame and more self-compassion. This understanding has been a major part of my personal healing journey and long-term health.
Long-Term Effects of Therapy
I’ve also learned about the long-term effects of therapy. Therapy has been essential in helping me navigate my shame and understand the deeper reasons behind my unhealthy habits. It’s provided me with tools to manage my anxiety and has been a cornerstone of my emotional health journey.
You’re Not Alone
I share all of this because I want you to know that if you’re struggling with taking care of yourself, you’re not alone. It’s something so many of us deal with, especially as high-achievers who are used to pushing ourselves to the limit. But the more we can open up about these challenges, the more we can support each other and realize that it’s okay to be imperfect.
Start Small, You’re Worth It
So if you’re reading this and any of it resonates, I want to encourage you to start small. Pick one thing you can do today to take care of yourself a little bit better, whether it’s drinking an extra glass of water, going for a short walk, or reaching out to a friend or professional for support. Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. And you, my friend, are worth the effort.
