health – Page 2 – Sherri Ross

11
Nov
2018

My Mental Health Newsletters

Since I’ve started my mental health journey I’ve found a lot of resources for reference. I’ve discovered web sites, bloggers, Instagram accounts, newsletters, and more. I’ve fallen in love with a plethora of them and I thought I’d share a few of my favorites over a few posts. This first post will be newsletters and later I’ll share some other types of accounts that I love.

The Greatist – This newsletter contains great articles for mind, body, and soul. I enjoy 90% of the posts in here and find most of them applicable to me (which is saying a lot). They cover everything from confidence at work to boosting your immune system to relationship goals.

The Mighty – This is, by far, my favorite mental health newsletter (and resource) period. It speaks on so many levels and I really think it has an article for every situation or person/level. The Mighty has seen it all. They get most of their feedback and answers from their community (you!) so it’s spot on. The newsletters are usually little pick-me-ups for your day or week along with highlights like top signs of depression, what to do when you don’t have anyone, or mental health symptoms we don’t talk about.

Tiny Buddha – A friend turned me on to this golden nugget years ago and I’ve never looked back. I love getting this email every day and reading the story (or two) in there with the lesson the author’s learned about life. They have become a part of my daily routine and I’ve learned so much from other people’s experiences in dealing with my own past.

Check these out if you have time and let me know what you think at sherri@yougotrossed.com. I’d love to know if you get any other newsletters you would recommend?

11
Nov
2018

How I Unwind at Home

categories: #bloglikecrazy, health

I’m a tightly wound person. My husband can tell you that, my therapist can tell you that, and my family can tell you that. I’ve worked for years to learn how to unwind in my day-today, but I still get tense a lot. I have a few at home remedies I like to try when I feel a tension headache coming or the familiar ache in my shoulders.

Baths: We have a great claw-foot tub that is perfect for long, hot baths. I keep bath bombs and foam on hand to make them even more relaxing. Some of my favorite bath bombs come from Lush and my favorite bubble bath is Dr. Teal’s Soothe & Sleep Lavender Foaming Bath with Pure Epsom Salt. I light candles, turn on my “spa” station on Pandora, and slowly sink into the tub until I turn into a human prune.

Meditation: When I am super stressed or having a panic attack I turn to my calming apps to bring me back to earth. If you have an Apple Watch the Breathe app is a great app. You can set it to trigger at random times throughout the day, or you can manually kick it off any time you want. It’s good for a quick check in with myself and to focus on how I’m feeling at that moment and why. For longer meditations I use the Simple Habit app on my phone. I’ve fallen in love with this app (thanks to recommendation of friends) and they add new meditations all the time. I use the free version and it works great for me. They have series you can follow for different needs you may have and I’ve found them all helpful so far.

Praying: Some people may categorize this with meditation, but I don’t. Praying definitely relaxes me, because I’m talking to (my) God and basically venting. It’s almost like therapy for me. I’m able to let God know what’s on my mind, what I’m happy about, what I’m upset about, and what I don’t feel I can manage right now. I always feel better after I pray.

Reading or TV: If I have some extra time I like to read or catch up on my “fluff” TV shows. Fluff shows are the shows I don’t have to think about – comedies, usually. They are just feel good shows that usually have a happy ending. Thinks like “Manifest” or “This is Us” are NOT fluff shows and I think a lot or cry a lot during both of those.

I’m interested to hear about how you relax at home. Feel free to let me know at sherri@yougotrossed.com.

*This post contains affiliate links.

08
Nov
2018

Throw-It-Out Thursday

categories: #bloglikecrazy, health

Sorry folks – I had a post for today from my editorial calendar all ready to go, but I wasn’t feeling it and threw it right out the window. I woke up feeling some kind of way, saw the news, got a kick in the gut at work, and decided to let loose on here. This picture is exactly how I feel – female problems and all!

I’m not going to get into a discussion about gun control on my blog, but I am devastated for the families of the victims of Thousand Oaks, the Tree of Life, the Tallahassee yoga studio, and all the other shootings in the last week, month, year, DECADE! It’s sad that it’s such a common occurrence that it hardly raises eyebrows anymore unless it’s someone you know or you were part of it. We’re numb to it because we’ve gotten so use to it being news these days. That breaks my heart.

I also found out today a friend of mine at work is leaving. I’m going to miss them terribly even though I’m extremely happy and excited for them. When they told me I basically just burst into tears. HOW CRAZY IS THAT? We’re not even that close, but this is one of the good ones. One of the GREAT ones, actually, who really works hard to make a difference and make sure things are done right. They are one of the greatest examples we have of a model employee and I hate that we’re losing them. What I hate worse is losing a friend, confidant, and mentor. But that’s life and they’ve worked hard and deserve this.

So today has just been one of those days. All will be fine and life is still great, but today’s a day and I’m allowed to have it. So are you. If you’re having one of those days, let yourself. You’ll feel better, I promise!

05
Nov
2018

A Love Letter to My Massage Therapist

categories: #bloglikecrazy, health

I’ve composed this letter in my mind a hundred times, usually on the table during a massage. I’ve always chickened out putting it into the world, but I’ve finally decided to do it.

We all have insecurities, especially when it comes to our bodies. For some of us, the older we get the less we care what others think. But those insecurities never fully go away. The negative thoughts I have about my body run rampant on the table.

A massage can be a very vulnerable experience. You’re allowing someone you don’t know (usually) use their hands all over you to help work out kinks, reduce pain, release toxins, and promote wellness in your body. You’re welcome to wear as much or little clothing as you like, but you’re covered by a sheet except for the specific part the therapist is working on.

It took years for me to be comfortable getting a massage and my friend Amy was instrumental in that. Since then, I’ve received a lot of massages and I have the same thoughts every time: Thank you for not judging me and my body. Even if my massage therapist is judging me by chance, they never act like it or show it. My insecurities are running through my mind the whole time: I know I’m fat. I know I have dimples and cellulite. I know I have cysts that aren’t fun to touch. I know I have a fatty neck that rolls when you massage it. I know I’m overdue for that pedicure. I know my manicure left the building last year. I know you see the varicose veins on my back where most people don’t have them. If my massage therapist only knew all the things I’m silently apologizing for on the table while she works on me.

But she never needs my apology. She never acts disgusted or put off. She never leaves the room, makes a face, or coughs uncomfortably. Massage therapists are professionals and they are kind. Extremely kind…even when I do verbally apologize for my lack of pedicure or manicure. It’s that kindness and warmth that always triggers this love letter in my head. I have a special place in my heart for people who can touch other people all day long and see the healing side of it over anything superficial. They are truly special people and I am so thankful there are people who want to do that line of work. Massage therapy has been absolutely essential for my self-care and well-being.

Thank you to all my amazing massage therapists over the years, my many massage therapist friends who heal every day, and those who will continue to carry on the practice. You are like none other and you are LOVED!

24
May
2016

“Have You Tried Restarting?”

categories: health

Photo courtesy of Acid Pix

Working in computers for the last two decades, I know this question all too well. It’s the first one we’re taught to ask a user any time they are having an issue with their computer, smart phone, etc. If I know this is the FIRST question to ask in technology situations, why did it take me so long to ask it in other situations?

It’s no secret that I’ve gained a good bit of weight in the last year – anyone who sees me can tell. My face is fuller, especially my neck, and I’m starting to look like Mama June (not that there’s anything wrong with the way she looks, I just don’t want to look like her…I want to look like ME!) I want to feel better, more energized, and just be healthier for my family and myself!

So when the husband and I had a long talk recently about our health, we both asked ourselves, “Have we tried restarting?” We were both in agreement that we needed a hard reboot of our eating, fitness, and mindset toward both if we were going to get healthier. The talk was long overdue, but it was so good. We decided on clean eating as much as possible for the next 30 days, as close to Paleo as we could get.

We went through the pantry and fridge and threw out everything that wasn’t in line with plan. We discussed breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks for the next 30 days, creating a meal plan for the week. He went shopping and got everything we needed to SUCCEED this week, with plans to continue for the next three weeks (at least). He cooked crustless quiches (basically eggs and meat or veggies) for us to have each morning for breakfast during the week, fixed his lunches (my Lunch Lady Revolution gal got me all set up), and we’ve got good, healthy dinners covered each night when we’re ready to make them.

I can’t tell you how excited I am about this restart and that we’re doing it together. He always does so well when he’s focused and keeps me in line when I want to get off track. He has no problem sticking to the plan when he takes it on and I am inspired by his determination and success. I could not do this without him and I hope he understands how grateful I am to him for the team support, the cooking, and the love. I can’t wait to see what changes happen for us over the next month and then on. We both weighed in on Monday, our first day, and I’ll be sure to keep you posted on our journey…good or bad!

Category: health