When Enviroments Get You Down

I am posting this incredibly late (for me at least) because our enivorment is slowly making it a goal to kill me. This Vog (volcanic fog) has given me headaches, backache, sore throats, coughs, and more.

Sometimes your environment can be the cause of your ailing illness--however if it persists for more than a week it's good to go see a doctor. Just in case it's something more serious. I myself will be seeing my doctor soon, just in case.

What enviromental things cause your body to act out?

Why Having No Internet is Killing Me -- It' Not the Reason You Think

I currently don't have internet access in my apartment, we are waiting for the cable guy to come and set it up this Friday. We had to switch internet providers because our speed was below 1mbps. If you don't know what that means just imagine that you can watch about 3 minutes of Netflix at a time, having to restart your WiiU everytime it stopped. Argh! It was unbearable, trust me, I couldn't watch even our lectures online without having them load for a few hours. But that's all over now-we will be getting a brand new internet provider soon, and better speeds *knocks on wood*.

I just have to survive this period of no internet, and soon my hell will be over. And let me tell you, it has been hell, but not for the reason you probably think it was.

First let me say that I have been out of internet since April 7th, so that was last week. Hence why my blog last week was early (well that and the fact I wasn't feeling good at all, eh, minor). I don't have enough cellular data to last me that long to do everything I want to do (online, as I'm not a hermit) AND do homework--so I had to cut back on a lot of things I liked to do.

One of those things was something I have had with me all my life, something I hadn't really thought about having needed until last week.

My Music

I don't have any CDs anymore, or even an iPod (or at least one with regular music. Mine has Christmas Music Only). So I usually listen to my Pandora Radio--all the time. Which I'm sure my neighbors hate, sorry by the way! I listen to it when I'm walking, in the car, on the bus, in my house, sitting outside, anywhere and everywhere I can listen to my music; I do. And here's why.

My. Brain. Won't. Shut. Up.

In 2004 or 2005 I was diagnosed with ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. If you ever have the chance to see me in a classroom you will notice I take notes like a maniac, and there's a reason for that. I have to constantly take notes or I lose focus. My music is very much the same way, it gives me a peace of mine at home. It keeps me focused on relaxing, which may be a confusing statement to hear. DON'T THINK OF A MOUSE. Are you thinking of a mouse? Most likely you are, that's a very normal reaction. Your brain instantly focuses on that mouse, you won't stop thinking of that mouse until you forget about it. 

Now imagine you brain didn't read that sentence, but that that thought came out of no where, while you were relaxing, or trying to sleep, or working. That that thought was so powerful you could no longer concentrate on what else was happening. And then a different thought comes in. And another, and another, and another. It's a constant wheel of thoughts that never stops, and you're exhausted and just wanted to relax but can't stop thinking. You're thinking of all these thoughts at the same time, and you don't know how to stop.

Music can often block out other thoughts, even just temporarily. For me, music works wonders. For others is a distraction, which is why I use headphones; I don't want to disturb others peace.

All in all I'm excited to get my internet connection back, to get my music back, and to hopefully get some relaxation this coming week!

What helps keep you focused?

Again please note I am not a doctor. If you have real concerns please see your doctor right away. If this is an emergency please call 911, or your local emergency hotline.

I'm Obviously Dying - The Waiting Game

I’m writing this now because I’m not 100% sure I will be able to do so later in the week. I’m currently playing the waiting game with my doctor, waiting for some very important test results. Ones that will determine how I spend the rest of my week, and what little the rest of this evening now holds.

I’ve been waiting for over five hours. And that’s not an exaggeration.

When you go to a hospital you very often have to wait for your test results to come back. During that time your mind begins to race, and you often wonder about all the possible outcomes your Doctor has described (many of which have slim chances, but still). And if you’re anything like me you begin to panic. And panicking during this time is never good.

Panicking leads to Googling, which leads to more Panicking, and soon a cycle of anxiety begins. You feel helpless, left in the dark, and concerned for your wellbeing. So what do you do during this time period? How do you deal with the waiting period?

Personally I have found doing homework, reading, playing video games, texting friends, literally anything other than Googling my symptoms or counting the dots on the ER wall (if I am in the ER) helpful. Once I stop doing things my mind wonders into that dark place of “what if…” and panic mode begins. This is the best thing I can suggest, and do encourage you to follow this advice is nothing else; avoid the internet. It seems fun and harmless, but the temptation to look up how you’re obviously dying is too easy. Those results won’t come any faster, and there isn’t any point in spiking your heart rate, so try to relax and avoid those thoughts.

Try reading a book, doing a puzzle, playing a mind bender, talking with friends or family, doing work if you are able, sleeping (as rest is very important if you aren’t feeling well), or even just watch some mindless t.v. Try not to focus on those test results however. They will come as fast as they are able. (:

Waiting sucks, it really does. But try to make the best of it. We had to learn it as kids while we waited for the cakes to rise in the oven, or to unwrap the presents on our birthdays, so we can certainly learn it as adults. 

Please be aware that I am NOT a medical professional, if you have any doubts about your health please seek professional medical advise. If this is an emergency call 911 or your local emergency hotline. 

Heat, Crystals, Nature, and Peace -- Holistic Medicines

I would like to start this article by stating that part of this does have to do with my personal belief system, so this may not be a technique for everyone. I respect those who don’t believe in holistic medicine practices and find other ways to deal with their pain. I personally am an advocate for finding a balance between holistic medicines and doctor visits; which has become a common practice for many people with Chronic Illnesses. That being said not all people use all types of holistic medicines, which is completely fine. This is, again, just one of many techniques I use in managing and handling my pain on a daily basis. Use what works best for you, and when in doubt ask your doctor. Many of whom are open to the idea of holistic medications if you are interested. (:

For me this type of treatment is used usually at high stress points. During finals, family crisis’s, depressive episodes, extreme back pains, etc. I use a wide variety of holistic medications depending on what my symptoms are, and what calls to me. I try to listen to my body.

Here are just a few I use:

Aromatherapy – Usually in the form of bathbombs (usually from Lush), green tea baths, or a home made almost soup like spice. When not used with water I use incense, and natural heating oils to help calms my nerves.

                Used for: Depression, Arthritis, Anxiety, Migraines, Aches, Exhaustion

Crystals – Usually used at night with a full, or near full, moon. Combined with water, aromatherapy, or binaural beats (or all) to create a calming effect. Sometimes used on top of a hot face cloth.

                Used for: Depression, Anxiety, Aches

Oils – A forms of aromatherapy and heat. Used to massage into aching skin.

                Used for: Arthritis, Aches

Meditation – Either with animals (I have an office for just this in my apartment), or out in the mountains. Used to do so floating at the beach, but I burn too easily (even with sun screen).

                Used for: Concentration, Depression, Anxiety, Exhaustion

There are many more, and frankly a quick Google search will tell you all you need to know about holistic medicines. Recently I have found them working for me, especially with finals creeping up on us and my stress levels rising.

Here’s hoping you can relax and find techniques that work for you!

Again please note I am not a doctor. If you have real concerns please see your doctor right away. If this is an emergency please call 911, or your local emergency hotline.