health – Page 2 – Sherri Ross

19
Nov
2019

Twofer Tuesday!

It happened again. I FELL ASLEEP before I got to post to my blog yesterday so you get TWO posts today! It’s TWOFER TUESDAY!

Up first, guess who’s having surgery next week???? This girl! Guess who’s never had surgery before? This girl! Guess who’s SCARED TO DEATH TO HAVE SURGERY? THIS GIRL! It’s very minor surgery, but I am still SCARED STIFF. I’ve never been put under. ACK. It’s Balloonaplasty or something. I dunno. They’re gonna put little balloons in my nose and I’m going to fly up to the sky like in the movie “Up.” Just kidding. That would be so cool. I am having balloon sinuplasty – that’s what it’s called. They are sticking little skinny balloons up my nostrils and inflating them to get out all the gunk clogging up my sinuses. I have a lot of gunk apparently. Totally blocked in one side and mostly blocked on the other. And my upper sinuses are all kinda funky, too.

I’ve had chronic sinus problems for as long as I can remember. I’ve had a sinus infection for the last 6 months. I also have crazy bad allergies and recently had allergy testing redone. It turns out I’m allergic to ALL.THE.THINGS. Still. The biggest one being yeast. DAGNABBIT. I love yeast. Oh, well. We’ll tackle one thing at a time. Sinus surgery first and then allergy shots or dissolvables or something.

Anyway, if you don’t mind, send some good juju and prayers my way next week for a safe, easy surgery and even easier recovery. I’m one terrified bunny and you know what scared bunnies look like…they just shake and poop A LOT.

11
Nov
2018

My Mental Health Newsletters

categories: #bloglikecrazy, health

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.

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!

20
Apr
2016

Woman Crush Wednesday: Mia Ransom Parnell

categories: #WCW

Have you ever met someone who could just do it ALL? That’s Mia! Besides being a fantastic mother, surviving cancer TWICE, running half marathons and trail running, working two jobs and volunteering every weekend, the girl has recently started work on opening a travel business on the side to help the everyday person plan the perfect trip, from planning and booking to what to eat and see, all on a budget. Her new blog, MiaAdventura, is all about her travel experiences, lessons she’s learned, and helpful tips for the seasoned traveler or weekend warrior.

I first met Mia at my eye doctor’s office a few years ago where she moonlights as the office manager. What first attracted me to her was her sharp wit, huge smile, and her lipstick! Mia always has the perfect lipstick on. And she prides herself on working hard to stay healthy and fit and works out a few times a week, all in addition to her yoga and scheduled running days. She is a vegetarian and has taught me a lot over the years in the way of healthy eating, what it means to be a vegetarian, and why she chose to be one.

Mia loves an adventure and tries to discover a new (to her) place at least once a month. We’ve been on a few spontaneous photo shoots out of town and her eye for capturing beauty and nature is breathtaking. She’s a skilled photographer and has been so kind in helping me learn my new camera. She lives for exploring and never backs down from the opportunity to experience something new. If you are in the market for a new experience, near or far, Mia is your go-to gal. I regularly go to her with questions about her travels and also to get suggestions for nearby day trips for a quick fix. She never fails to deliver perfectly!

Mia is one of the most selfless and authentic people I know. She will tell you like it is, any day of the week, but with grace and dignity. Her honesty, coupled with her determination, make her today’s #WCW. If you don’t know Mia, take a moment and reach out to her. She is fascinating, extremely knowledgable and intelligent, and you will not be sorry. Tell her I sent you!

Tag: health