At this point in the program, it’s important to look at ways to sustain this good feeling you have so you don’t slip and go back to being your old, tired self.
Over the last 5 weeks we have slowly been decreasing our total load of toxins by decreasing substances that we put into our bodies that may “burden” us and hinder our feeling vital. This week we will be removing another “burden,” some of the toxins we put on our bodies. Did you know that many of the shampoos, conditioners, deodorant and fragrances you use on your body are loaded with chemicals? Individually, each of these might not cause a problem, but their cumulative effect can overload our normal functioning and slowly cause harm.
One of this week’s assignments is to detox your medicine cabinet, and toss the products that contain the chemicals I list. I know it sounds radical, but it is another way to decrease your toxic load.
One of my favorite websites, the Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org has a great cosmetic data base, which is definitely worth looking at to see how the cosmetics you are using fare. http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/splash.php?URI=%2Findex.php
This week you will also learn about the concept of entrainment—how our bodies’ internal rhythms slow down or speed up to match a stronger external rhythm. For instance, you slow down when you are at the beach and speed up in New York City. Learning to use music, nature or even your breath to slow down is something worth doing. I personally use reggae music to slow down. It has a beat of about 60 beats/min which is the rate of a slow heart beat. Try it…it works for me and many of my patients.
And there are 2 wonderful restorative yoga poses that I personally use all the time which will truly revive you and keep you restored.
Finally, part of healing from Spent is having a positive outlook on life. Do something useful and meaningful to you; participate in something you are passionate about. In South Africa, there is a term called “ubuntu,” which means humaneness, kindness, understanding, compassion, tolerance, sharing and respect, all in one. You’ll find that as you care for others and give back, you’ll get even more in return.
Remember to go back to my Web site, www.franklipman.com, where I’m constantly putting up new information and resources to help you and inspire you. You’ve come so far!
One love
Frank
Dr. Frank Lipman, author of SPENT: End Exhaustion and Feel Great Again (Fireside/Simon & Schuster, January 2009), is the founder and director of the Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York City, where his personal blend of Western and alternative medicine has helped thousands of people recover their energy and zest for life. For more information, visit www.franklipman.com.