Over the past few weeks I have been dealing with some family issues, specifically a sick family member and the death of my beloved grandfather. Let's just saying working out has been the LASTTTTT thing on my mind. I am sure many of you can relate to having issues with everyday activities when in a state of grief after a loss. Well the past three days I have fFINALLY gotten back into it, and have found some solace in yoga. It was not easy by any means....and so I figured I would offer up this blog as a reminder to myself as well as to help those of you who may go through a simular struggle at some point.
After my grandfather's passsing there was a solid week of feeling like doing nothing. There were cobwebs for a few days, then a sort of haze like feeling set in, and then just a general "WHO CARES" attitude settled on my bones. When I finally decided to get moving I chose to go to hot power classes so my brain would have no choice but to slow down and hopefully turn off. I mean the heat and sweat alone are so distracting....who would have the capacity to let a sad thought filter in. I must say it worked. The heat and sweat were disracting, the music provided enough "noise" that my own thoughts were drowned out and there were actual long stretches of tie when I didn't feel my emotions, I felt my body instead.
Let's face it, we all go though rough times...and exercising doesn't always seem doable/important/worth it. Grief in and of itself is taxing on the body. There is an endocrine system response as well as a central nervous system response that leaves us feeling anxious, tired, depleted, sick to our stomach. We may even lose coordination and become off balanced, breathing patterns and sleep patterns can be affected and you may even feel sore despite not having worked out. In summation....physically we feel like shit. The best thing we can do is take specific measures, to matter how hard they are, to combat these physical responses. Eat and hydrate even if you aren't hungry. If you can make it healthy even better..and if you can't just eat something, it's ok. Take time off work, rest, get a massage, talk to trusted friends and.....move! Take a long walk, go for a swim or if you are like me....find some peace on your yoga mat.
It wasn't all hearts and flowers. It's been 5 yoga classes now and I have yet to not get emotional during the final shavasana or dead man's pose. Guess what, its ok! So far no one has kicked me out for crying a bit in Shavasana...I am guessing they won't. I'm sure I will get back into my usual lifting and metabolic training routine...but for now this is enough. and I can say for sure self acceptance on your limits is probably the most important advice I can give you and trying to say healthy while grieving. Hope this post finds you all well.
