Tag: health

THE Flu

Feeling Blah
I’ve been home with the flu(/gastro type thingy, yucky anyway) for two days and I feel like I am going stir crazy. I want my time back. It’s so inconvenient!
When I woke up before, I thought I’d have a read of some blogs and catch up. I’ve just about been sleeping for two days. My head still is a little sore, but I have to have something else to think about.
I noticed I am not alone.
Abundance Highway: Patience reports that Suzy has caught the bug.
Darren Rowse has prepared 8 Things to Do on your Blog when you’re Sick because

“As I woke up with a pounding head and numerous other flu ailments I thought today might be a relevant day to answer the question”

Over at ‘Everybody Knows’: Yeah Still Here, I find that

“yes i am still alive and yes i do intend to keep blogging. Its just been busy. Oh and coughing rather a lot still. All the time in fact.”

Contagious Online?
I doubt it very much, but there seems to be a lot of it travelling around Australia right now. There was an article in the news recently about a Flu Website that tracks the Flu. Here is the link to my clipped article on Newsvine. Strangely though, the article doesn’t have a link or address to the website. For more information about the 2007 Flu season you can go to the WHO Centre.. Or you can just hope it goes away soon like I am.

Offline Life

Routines
I have been busy offline lately. I felt my Internet usage was becoming a little invasive in my life and whilst having a bit of a stock take of the things I do with my time, prompted by some personal growth reading on Steve Pavlina and Craig Harper‘s sites I must admit. I have rearranged my routines to work better for me and have spent less time online as a result. I am feeling pretty good about it to be honest.
Exercise
As it is winter here in Australia, I have been struggling for the past month or so, to get up at 6.00 and do my 20 minutes on the stepper. I had all kinds of excuses, my heart monitor battery needed replacing, it was too cold, I had the flu. I would do it for a few days and then stop. So I solved this dilemma this week by doing 30 minutes after work. I am now getting up guilt free in the morning and not resisting getting out of bed so much because I know I have done my exercise the night before. I will probably go back to mornings when it gets a little lighter and warmer in the mornings. I am pleased this is working now, as life has become easier. Why didn’t I think of it earlier?
Housework and Lunch
As I am not squeezing exercise into my mornings, or avoiding exercise to be more honest, I’ve been able to make a healthy lunch to take to work and tidy the house before I go to work. When I get home, I do a couple of chores before exercising and it’s really satisfying to come home to a tidy house.
Bedtime
I am going to bed at the same time at night, even though I’m not always getting up earlier to exercise. I read a little longer and get a bit more sleep. I really believe enough sleep is a really important ingredient in a busy life. I can’t function if I don’t get it.
Treats
I have also been going to the movies once a week, because I love film and have decided to make the time for myself. It has improved my level of cheerfulness. I feel like I am treating myself well and I’m happier. It’s a simple thing really and I’m amazed at the difference it has made.
Over to You
I haven’t bored you with all my little routine changes just for the fun of it. I reflected today about how much happier I have been this week and wondered if this wasn’t worth sharing with others. A few simple changes might be enough to snap you out of a bout of winter blues, or get you back on track.

Massaged and Loving It

Highly Recommend Massage
If you have never had a massage in your life, as so many people tell me they haven’t, commit to getting one today. I’ve been having around 4 massages a year for the last 20 years. I’m about to start having one a month though, life is too short!
Shop Around
In this time I have probably had a couple that weren’t satisfying because I paid too much and received too little, yet on the whole, the massages I have received have been little hours of bliss in life. At times I’ve had to try different people for all kinds of reasons. It’s a bit like hairdressers, sometimes you have to shop around to find the one that is just right for you.
Finding the ONE
I tried a new masseur yesterday. I have to say I was thrilled with her service. Excellent pressure, clean, tranquil space, warm towels, great price and a very positive and professional lady. The massage was a pleasure to receive. She used the quality essential oils that I prefer and a fabulous blend. Later in the day I felt a little tender, which always is the sign of a beneficial massage to me, much like those muscular pains after have a great workout at the gym. Yet during the massage, there was no pain, only relief and relaxation.
Affordable Proactive Care
Massage relieves stress, which is a big cause of disease. It improves your circulation and elimination. There are many types of therapeutic massage yet even relaxation massage is beneficial. Having a regular massage, whilst seemingly indulgent, could arguably be a saving due to the health benefits. Preventing disease has to be better than treating it. When I was struggling financially, I was fortunate enough to have friends who were studying massage and I was the crash test dummy for them, so got my massages for little or nothing. There really is no excuse to go without the health and well being benefits. Ask around to find a good reasonably priced person in your area. I have found people working from their homes are cheaper and usually just as well set up.
Massage Exchange
I massage my family and friends but I am not professional and I conk out pretty quickly. When they reciprocate it is a similar experience, they don’t last long enough! Whilst I think it is a lovely nurturing thing to do this for one another, it is no substitute for paying for and receiving an hour or more in a beautiful candle lit room, scented with essential oils, wrapped in a warm towel, in well trained hands.
How to Spot a Great Service
Short fingernails is a must. Many beauticians have long nails and whilst they create a great environment and have lots of other elements in place, can’t really apply pressure as well as trim nailed counterparts. Cleanliness and warmth are vital as I find it difficult to relax in other circumstances. Discuss price up front. Around $50 an hour is what I have generally found is a fair price.