The two threats to humanity – stress and dehydration
In the months that led up to my leaving for sabbatical, my body was constricting into a tight little ball, by the time I was on a plane to Croatia, my lower back was almost paralyzed with pain. For that reason, my honey carried around a suitcase all by herself that weighed more than her throughout the five weeks we were away (recall it was not filled with clothes just books, shoes, and whatnots).
While in Zagreb, I had two amazing massages and a kind of Thai massage there by Mario – fabulous – it helped for a day or two and then the pain started throbbing all over again.
Now I have my hula hoop to help move my hips and I have scheduled a regular deep tissue massage on a monthly basis – but yikes, yesterday after riding my bike for 33 miles, I came home all crippled over and had a tough time sleeping because of the pain.
The woman who gives me my massages here in New Orleans said my body was a stress ball when she saw me right before I left and right when I returned and that all of the stress was leading me down a path of wreck and ruin. She recommended acupuncture.
T said she had heard of a book where the author says this kind of pain is brought on by dehydration.
Two things that have always plagued me but more so these days are stress and dehydration.
Even though I drink more water than the average person, obviously it is not enough because I get vertigo now and again and I am constantly thirsty (which is also a side effect of perimenopause – the thirst).
So goals – #1 do not claim stress – instead of telling people when they asked about my work and why I work so much, “I have a stressful job” – my new response is “I have a job I love – challenging and never boring.” Also practice mindful destressing such as walks, yoga, and calmness.
Goal #2 – WATER – drink, drink, drink throughout the day. The book says two quarts a day – I haven’t been counting but I began forcing down two glasses of water when I get up in the morning about six months ago – now I need to spread that goal throughout the day. Two glasses in the morning – a quart at my desk – and then two glasses at night. It will be easier when T comes home – she’s a water drinking nut. [Side note: A nutritionist I know said you shouldn’t drink too much water with your meals because it dilutes your stomach acids needed for digestion.]
August 12th, 2008 at 12:24 am
sorry to hear about pain. google “dr. john sarno” spend the $$ on the actual video, don’t bother reading about it, it’s not the same. he’s not the most engaging personality which is why i believe he’s not a household name. i used to have to lie on the floor to try to relieve the pain in my back. the tape was recommended to me – and after watching it once i haven’t had another back pain. it’s been about 7 years. i dont think you’ll be disappointed.