My biggest Challenge of 2019
The beginning of 2019 I decided to up the physical athletic prowess and lose the baby fat. I had been working out 4 days a week and decided to join my sister in her 2nd round of BeachBody 80 day obsession. After all, we had her and my son’s 2019 weddings. But more importantly, being active greatly impacts my mental health and I could have an easier time with yoga poses. I was feeling proud as I succeeded through a week of workouts. Unfortunately, I got really sick and was down for the 2nd week (in retrospect I realized this was a pattern for me).
Fortunately, I happened to have a 6 month follow up visit with the new doctor I had seen in August 2018. I brought up how I’ve had issues with energy through my adult life and how I was just getting over being sick and realized I hadn’t brought it up as a concern in August. He ordered blood work for all the common Illnesses that cause chronic fatigue. While waiting for the follow up appointment and results, I tried to get back to working out. However, I couldn’t make it through a single workout and always felt worse. Eventually, I stopped trying. I went from working out 4 days a week to doing nothing. Not even yoga asanas.
I learned at my follow up appointment that the culprit was the Epstein Barr Virus. 90 percent of people are infected at sometime in their life, but it remains dormant in most people. Without going into more detail about my health and history and exact prognosis, I basically reached a point where physical exertion only made me feel worse and more exhausted.
Why does this make me excited about 2019?
My yoga practice for most of 2019 consisted mostly of meditation and learning more about the benefits of slow yoga. Anyone with chronic illness understands the frustration of not feeling well and constantly researching/searching for answers. I have put in a lot of time studying yoga that is accessible to those of us that struggle with physical activity. I have a new found respect for slow yoga and its benefits like increased resiliency of the nervous system, decreased inflammation and better self regulation. Improved proprioception and Interoception through slow yoga can also improve our relationships, sleep, and immune system. (See here for more: Why is it Good to Improve Interoception with Yoga? )
I cant claim that I understand how it feels to have other chronic illnesses. However, I can claim to understand more how the population is underserved by wellness based slow yoga. Other yoga styles provide health and wellness for many that are physically able. More importantly, when lack of energy and physical exertion present a challenge to doing those styles, slow yoga is wonderful and nourishing.
I invite you to join me this year. I have some exciting offerings coming and am building a community to support you through your wellness journey. Join a new supportive community and learn more.