There is no disputing the importance of exercises, nutrition, and a little R&R when it comes to health and wellness.  These are all key factors in a “Healthy Lifestyle,” the key word here being LIFESTYLE.

But there is a next step in health and wellness that doesn’t get nearly enough attention- “HealthCARE.”  This can be achieved through a proactive approach to medical care, informed self-care, and reduce exposure to synthetics.  In this post I am going to review the steps I have been taking, and the new ones I am implementing as part of my Wellness Lifestyle.

When I look at this chart I  see the typical things you think of when you think wellness and lifestyle, exercise , eating right, rest, and stress management.  What really caught my attention was the little arrow on the left that says “Lifestyle”

This got me to thinking…..and lets all be HONEST here.  I am going to wager that more that 60% of our motivation to eat right and exercise is not from our desire for physical wellness,  but our desire for aesthetics.

If we look at the top of the chart and the arrow on the left that says Healthcare……not as sexy as ripped abs and a tight butt, but SO IMPORTANT!!!  We are talking about switching our focus from reactive to proactive when it comes to health and wellness.

Below is a brief summary of  my proactive approach to wellness, as well as a brief summary of  my team.

My Healthcare team includes:

Physiotherapy:

For the last 15+ years physiotherapy has been my go-to solution for injuries and preventive maintenance.  Initially I started because of a tilted pelvis and the tight muscles that resulted.  Over the years with increased activity I  have used physio not just as a preventative, but as preparation for race season.  I look at my physiotherapist as  a vital part of my healthcare team.  She helps alleviate aches and pains  through IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation,) while helping me to build up underused muscle groups.

Massage Therapy:

A RMT is my physiotherapist assistant, and again used as part of a preventive program.  Massage provides a reduction in muscular tension, while helping to improve joint mobility.

Prior to my pregnancy my massage needs were sports specific.  During pregnancy my needs were more emotional based,  and after pregnancy they were nursing related.  With time, and life changes,  needs inevitably change, but I am glad that I have a team that knows my body and the history of its mechanics.

Family Doctor:

The doctor that delivered me into this world was my family doctor until I was 23 years old.  She scooped my broken soul off the floor of her office during some of my darkest moments.  She refused to prescribe me antidepressants …. TOLD me to go to a counselor and wrote the name on the prescription pad.   You know what….she was right!!!!

When I was 23  she retired.  Given the importance of her role on my healthcare team I interview doctors until I found one I liked.  Fast forward 13 years, said Doctor played a pivotal role in supporting me as I went through the SHOCK of discovering I was pregnant from a vasectomy at 36 years old.

For these reasons and so many more  I cannot stress enough the importance of a family doctor.   I am not just talking diagnosis and treatment, I am talking support, confidant, and personal history.

Counseling:

At some point in our cultural history, the relationship of one person helping another evolved to a point at which one person was officially designated as a helper. Helpers developed particular expertise, whether it be in fixing a broken wagon wheel, tracking game, healing illness, offering spiritual or emotional guidance. In the latter case the mental health helper was likely an individual particularly blessed or gifted in his or her ability to assist others through trying times.

That being said there is no shame in needing to see a counselor.  I think everyone should see one at least once in their life. Given my history and past trauma a counselor has played a vital role in both my emotional and mental

It’s not just laying on a couch talking about your issues and blaming your parents.  My counselor listened to me, she taught me to forgive myself.   She helped me  to understand what was happening, and she empathized with me.   Most importantly through self-awareness she empowered me to counsel myself.

Essential Oils:

Essential oils has become the newest addition to my wellness lifestyle.  I have used oregano oil and Olbas oil in the past with great success,  I have also seen tremendous success  with Tea Tree oil fighting head lice.  So there was no need to convince me of the effectiveness of essential oils.  What finally made me decide to make the change was the people around me.

Over the last 3 years my father has been diagnosed and been under treatment for a cognitive disorder.   I watched the negative effects that 9 different medications had on his quality of life.  Then witnessed the change when he stopped taking the 9 different meditations and switched to one natural pill.

During this time my step-daughter visited a naturopath for some digestive issues, and was diagnosed with a dairy allergy.  The positive impact on her health and well-being has been incredible.

So given the evidence I thought it was time to make a preventative change for myself and my family.   I want to reduce our exposure to synthetics, while taking a more natural approach to our wellness treatments.

What does your health and wellness plan look like?  Do you have the healthcare side dialed down, or could you use some referrals? If your local I would be happy to refer my practitioners. If you’re curious on how to purchase doTERRA essential oils I can help you get started with a wholesale membership (all the savings!) – reach out to me via info@venusfitnessandlifestyle.com