Happy New Year, or as they say on The Office: It is a New Year (period).
So during the holidays, I had a check-in appointment with my doctor.
I now have a list of stuff to do.
I’m passing that list on to you.
Why? Because our physical health *absolutely* effects our mental health.
New Year First Thing: Self-Care
Basic self-care can be difficult for trauma, PTSD, and grief recovery survivors. Can we talk about showering for a second? Why is this so difficult? I don’t know, but in the depths of my depression during this time of year, showering FEELS IMPOSSIBLE. So can eating, leaving the house, and taking my meds regularly.
BUT, I do it. I take showers during these times – not every day, mind you, but every couple-few days. I eat regularly. Sure, it’s a lot of convenience food when I’m at my lowest points, but I make sure there’s protein. I take my meds when I eat, because two birds and one stone. And moving my body feels difficult, but I am part of an exercise group where people care about ME and not just “if I show up” (plus, I always feel better after moving my body).
My First Video of the New Year: The Physical Body
Like I mentioned, I had a check-in appointment with my doctor and the list of things I need to do can apply to anyone (especially my age-ish, 30-ish to 100-ish).
Here is the video. Of course, I think it has hilarious bits. I go a little bit into some rabbit trails of my own, but mostly it’s on track.
To find out what I said without watching the video, scroll on down!
The First Thing to Do in the New Year
Okay, so here’s the deal. Taking care of our physical bodies keeps us from dipping as low mentally, and helps us bounce back when we hit lows in our mental health.
ALSO, many physical issues can mimic mental health issues. Thyroid problems are BIG in this category, along with hormonal changes. One hormonal change in my life had me dipping into some suicidal ideation in a new way. A visit with my doctor and some tweaks in my meds, and I felt a ton better all the way around.
So the FIRST thing to do is to get a physical with your doctor. INCLUDE BLOODWORK. Check hormones, iron, vitamin d, cholesterol, sugar and insulin levels, and anything else that’s needed.
If you’ve never had bloodwork done before, this is a great baseline to establish. And if you are old hat at bloodwork (like me), then you can compare with the past baselines and decide with your doctor about adjustments to make.
What Else? Appointments & An Acronym
Welp, this year I get to have a COLONOSCOPY. So definitely make that appointment. Also a mammogram and a visit to the GYN (as applicable).
I don’t mention the acronym in the video (well, dang) but this is one that I have used since I first started PTSD Recovery in 2006. This acronym has reminded me about what to do each day, because at one point, it was easy to forget.
SEEM
S = Sleep and REST. Sleep can be tough for trauma, PTSD, and grief survivors, so I focus on REST. What is restful? This is what the question I’m focusing on this year.
E = Eat on the Regular. Get some good food in you throughout the day. Protein, for sure. Healthy fats, like nuts and avocado. Focus on delicious with some nutrients thrown in.
E = Exercise. Like I say in the video, I was built for comfort, not for speed. So no pressure here. There’s nothing that you “have” to do. Just move. Walk, stretch, dance, run, cycle, skip, swing, lift weights, pickleball, whatever. I exercise in a group or class, though, because otherwise I do not follow through.
M = Meds. Supplements count. It takes a lot of stuff to keep my body balanced on the inside, like iron, vitamin D, hormone support, etc etc.
So when things SEEM chaotic, follow the acronym!
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