Physical symptoms are our body's way of communicating with us. They point to a deeper imbalance in our mind, body and spirit. Interdependent, our mind, body and spirit, work together to create our current state of health. An imbalance in one can translate into an imbalance in another. Stress and the ravaging effects it has on the body is a perfect example.
While our symptoms almost always manifest themselves in our physical body in the form of weight gain, headaches, back pain, muscle ache, joint pain, exhaustion, fatigue, sleep problems, chest pain, digestive issues, dizziness, etc., imbalances in our mind and spirit reveal themselves differently. An imbalanced mind is prone to excessive worry, anxiety, stress, negative thoughts/attitudes, low self-esteem, complaining and perfectionism. Imbalances in our spirit are revealed in a lack of joy, peace and calm, feelings of discontent and restlessness, as well as uncertainty and unforgiveness.
“People under stress sleep poorly and are less likely to exercise; they adopt poor eating habits, smoke more and don't comply with medical treatment. Stress also triggers a response by the body's endocrine systems, which release hormones that influence multiple other biological systems, including the immune system.”
Science Daily Oct. 9,2007
Stress Contributes to Range of Chronic Diseases
The first step to restoring health and healing requires letting go of the quick fix mentality and realizing it is going to take some work on your part. As the saying goes, “if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got”. We can take that one step further and add, “and you'll always feel what you always felt”. Treat your symptoms as a wake up call that some area of your life is out of balance.
Addressing symptoms instead of putting a band-aid over them, is the starting point for exploration of self and life at a deeper level. This is exactly what was required of me in my recovery from adrenal fatigue. As I began to understand the condition better, I made changes to my nutrition, my exercise, my lifestyle and most importantly my thought process. I forced myself to do things that took me out of my comfort zone. I let go of some relationships that were unhealthy. I quit my job, twice. I examined my attitude and thoughts with a magnifying glass. I let go of all victim and negative thinking. I worked on developing my spiritual side. These changes have served me well in my healing process.
It has been nearly three years since I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue. At the time I was not able to see the forest for the trees. Restoring my health and healing did not happen over night, but over time my symptoms slowly faded. These days, I am quickly reminded when I get out of balance, my body speaks loud and clear to me, only now I listen. When I was at my worst, I felt like a victim who was cursed and now I see adrenal fatigue as a blessing.
If you are suffering from symptoms that just won't go away, I challenge you to go deeper, look past the symptoms and get to the root of the problem. Reclaim responsibility for your health by learning how your body works. Research and read everything you can. Become an expert in you. Most of all, listen to your instincts. Robust health isn't just for the lucky ones, it's for everyone.
