After a long, cold winter, feeling the warm sunshine, hearing birds chirp and smelling fresh, beautiful foliage popping up is, for most people, so energizing! Ahh… spring!
For women who feel like they have had a close encounter with a steam roller, aka some women suffering from the symptoms of uterine fibroids, that fresh breath of a new season might not be so exciting. A chronic condition can be draining, both physically and emotionally. But with friends, neighbors and co-workers starting suddenly going on energetic outings and bragging about doing a thorough spring cleaning, the spirit that should be giving us a lift might just unwittingly be bringing us down.
Yes, EVEN for women with fibroids, spring renewal is possible. Not only that, it’s recommended! Pick a remedy toward renewal, mix and match, or try them all on for size!
Dietary changes
It doesn’t need to be an entire overhaul; just a couple of small steps in a positive direction can improve a person’s overall picture of health. Switch out whole grains for white, cut down on chemical-packed process foods, exchange the next order of fries for a piping hot baked potato and drink a cup or two more of water a day. Baby steps. They go a long way.
Getting out
While swimming the English Channel might not be on the current list of options, becoming a hermit isn’t either. How about setting a goal of getting out, even once a week or two, to an event that interests you socially and/or intellectually? A lecture, get-together with friends, community event… anything unrelated to errands, work or to child-related must-do’s will do. For some women, scheduling these mental health breaks into a calendar is the only way they’ll happen.
Light exercise
Have heavy bleeding and chronic pain gotten you down? While it might sound counter-intuitive, getting a bit of exercise into the daily schedule can help amp up the positive vibes. A leisurely walk in the park, a pleasurable swim, (those super ultra tampons sure come in handy) a beginner’s yoga workout or how about a bike ride around the neighborhood? Whatever does it for you will work, as just about anything beats being sedentary.
Relationships
We all have those relationships that could be better, be it with a partner, a parent or an old, lost friend. Burying the hatchet on old tiffs and grudges, while holding realistic expectations and avoiding ties that are dangerous or caustic, can breathe new life into what may have become a dull monotone or worse, a vaguely aching hole. Why not pick one person who used to be nearer and dearer and see what can be done to bring you back together.
Character traits
Don’t we all have one thing about ourselves that we might like to improve upon? Without leaving the house or even breaking a sweat, bad habits can be broken and good ones improved upon. Maybe be more conscious to avoid inadvertently interrupting others when they speak. How about taking some time out of the weekend to lock up that pesky-yet-informative cellphone that takes time away from your family? Surely we all have one small, conquerable point that can be renewed toward better tomorrows.
As women, we’re often pulled in numerous directions simultaneously, and even small gestures of oft-neglected self-care can go a long way. Spring renewal comes in many different forms, so find the facet that reflects your own soul and polish it until it shines!
