Value Yourself

When you reach a milestone in your life what does it mean? Is it a goal you once set a while ago that you’ve come to realise, or is it an end of an era?

I reached one this month. I received a CAM Award [Complementary and Alternative Medicine] for Contribution to the Community. I felt as though someone had really recognised the work I had done in setting up the free Walk In Clinic in the Kingston Park Tesco in Newcastle.

Valuing the work we do and giving ourselves the encouragement and praise we need is highly important on our journey through life. You don’t have to boast overtly but you do need to be able to tell yourself what you have actually achieved over the last 1, 5 or 10 years.

Your mind may take you to a negative space first: “oh I could have done much more”, but try to avoid this thought for a minute and let your mind wonder on what you have done. Writing these things down may also help as you’ll probably be surprised at how much you have actually done.

Some clients I see who suffer from symptoms of low mood, depression or even panic attacks – for them just getting outside the house can seem an overwhelming task. You don’t have to beat yourself up thinking what you haven’t done, it really is important to focus on what you are doing. There may be other symptoms that can set you back, like pain, digestive disorders, eating disorders or low energy… “I’m too tired to do anything today” or even a pending operation can upset your life balance.

In these circumstances you can still manage your life well and in a positive way. The first thing to do is consider how you can live your life whilst you have these symptoms. Make adjustments. Identify when and where your symptoms most profoundly affect you. For instance, is it part of the day or just at night? Sometimes we blow them out of all proportion when really the symptoms can be only affecting us for part of the time. Then actively choose to work on a health programme for yourself. Work with a health practitioner who can give you some professional guidance and work with you on your diet, nutrition, exercise and healthy living programme. I don’t recommend you try and do it alone. Often our motivation waivers when we are feeling low and having someone there working with you can give you that extra boost.

If you need to be inspired then look at those around you and identify the ones you most admire. How do or did they get through the worst? Most of all don’t wallow, as this perpetuates a negative spiral. Be around people that lift your spirits and give you the bright energy that you need to feel your best.

 

Rumana Zahn is a Naturopath and Medical Herbalist and runs clinics in Newcastle (within a GPs practice), Darlington and Seaham Hall’s Serenity Spa. She is a leader within the field of Natural Medicine, writes and speaks extensively on the subject. She can be contacted on 01325 722803 or www.rumanahealth.com

Rumana is a member of the British Register of Complementary Practitioners.

 

< BACK TO MAIN ARTICLES PAGE