Building my immunity- the plan

 I have always been very proud of my health and would often say "I can't remember the last time I was sick; I never get sick".  Now you will hear me say with a much higher pitch in my voice "I was sick 3 times in a few months and each time it got worse".  Trying not to be too dramatic here, but I really don't want to relive the 10 days of my recent illness, ever again.  I truly felt like I was going to die and actually at some points wanted to. I distinctly remember thinking "if this is how people feel that have no hope of getting better, I understand why they would consider assisted death".  I realize I could possibly be making this into a Big Deal, well for Faye it is a BIG DEAL.  I have been a devoted person to getting my flu shot and all of the rest of the immunizations they have offered for the last 3 years.  People have commented to me that maybe I got sick because of all of the shots.  Perhaps, how do you know.  I do know I had a very long record of being well up to that point, so it was destined, that I would at some point get something.  All good things must come to an end and that includes an iron clad immunity. 

I don't like to give up my time to being sick.  I have to admire the people that just settle into sickness with calmness and patience.  I wager a war on sickness and take everything in my meager medicine collection.  Most of my medication is outdated, because in the past, I had no need for meds as a rule, had!  In my life I have been known to do everything in a big way and attacking sickness is no exception. My body isn't used to the onslaught of meds. I wouldn't recommend this, but I have been known to take a combination of over-the-counter medications. Just be mindful of the fact you can get the shakes in the morning if you take too much. I guess "recommended dose" on the container is there for a reason. In my defense, up until June of this year, I was better in 24 hours from my self medication practice, usually!

I have come to the conclusion that you get soft once you aren't exposed to sickness all the time.  As I was writing this, Kelly on Kelly and Ryan, is commenting on how it seems a person will consistently get sick on vacation.  When you are working the body just keeps going, but once you give it a rest it will get sick.  It is like the body is saying "ok you can get sick you are on vacation".  I could put the word "retired" in place of vacation. I took my immunity for granted and would say my healthy lifestyle consisted of poor sleep habits, drinking way too much coffee and not enough water, no exercise, eat what I want when I want.  That did work for me for 65 years, but maybe and a big maybe my body would like to do something different than that to stay healthy.  

I blame covid.  Nobody got a thing when we were in isolation for 2 years.  When I did get covid, other than getting covid when I thought I wouldn't, it wasn't bad.  But I think it weakened me.  I carried forward the "covid cough" as I called it.  Sickness #2 three months later, was the return of covid cough and bronchitis symptoms, and Sickness #3, six weeks later, hit with a vengeance.  I felt that each time I had covid.  I understand that you will test negative for 6 months after having covid, which for me was true, I tested negative. 

I am sure by now you are thinking I am a full-blown true hypochondriac, but all of this is for purely educational purposes.  So, now is the task of strengthening my immune system.  I have always taken my immune system for granted so this is going to be new territory for me. I seem to know all of the information but implementing a plan may be hard for me.  I am going to start by reminding myself that the key to good health is three-fold a healthy mind, body and soul. 

I recently saw Tom Jackson. I am not sure what it is about this man, but when he speaks, he draws you in.  I felt like I was in a trance listening to him.  Tom says to be healthy you have to be happy.  Happy is healthy and healthy is happy.  He gets up every day to have a better day than the day before. That is a lot of work, but I think he is on to something. He is embracing a healthy mind and soul. 

I remember when Covid first started, I was devoted to getting outside every day, and being in touch with nature. I think this could be something I can get back into my life.  This would help my mind and soul to be healthier.  If I were to add a walk to this routine, it would help my body to be healthier.  Wouldn't that be powerful.

As I age something I think helps a person's body to stay strong is protein at every meal.  Protein makes us strong and gives us energy.  It is something simple to add to the list of making a healthier body.   

There are so many people that have information to share on how to strengthen your immune system.  I find it all very boring so lack the concentration to remember the information. This is how it rolls with me; I get excited when I hear of something "that works".  I will buy the suggested supplements and then they sit, untouched.  I can't seem to take them; I have no problem making and breaking a routine in no time.  People have the "thing" that they intend to do but don't, well supplements is mine.  I do have a hit and miss habit of taking turmeric and chaga as my regular wellness routine, so not all is lost. 

I do smudge my home on a regular basis.  I was given a gift of sage years ago and I like the smell and meaning of smudging.  Smudging with sage can be purifying, because of the antimicrobial properties which helps to keep infectious bacteria, viruses and fungi at bay.  Smudging is a spiritual practice of indigenous people and is more commonly used as a tool to invite positive energy into your home. By smudging your home, you will help the mind, body and soul to heal. 

My plan right now is to get out of 2022 with no further sickness.  I believe what you think about you bring about. You will be relieved to know this is the last post I am writing on sickness.  I think I need to embrace winter in some way.  Right now, it is going to -33 with a WC of -44 tonight, tough to embrace anything outside with a cold weather advisory.  It takes doing something 20 times in order to develop a habit. I have no problem developing a bad routine, it is the new and better ones that are take some concentration on my part.  I guess get the sticky notes out and make some reminders.  

  

I hope this post is reminding you of how you keep your mind, body and soul healthy.  Whatever you do to keep yourself healthy, keep doing it.  Know that you have my admiration if you have a routine that includes supplements and exercise.  It is going to be a long winter so adapting something that brings calmness to your soul, keeps your mind active and your body strong will help you get you through it.  Just like our happiness, we are also responsible for our own health.