Do you ever feel like the moment you finally get one set of symptoms under control, another set of symptoms pops up? Have you ever considered for your body to repair something, anything - a headache, the flu, a sinus infection, a broken arm, gut dysbiosis, or vaginal dysbiosis (as examples) - it first needs to rest, then relax, so it can repair?
Think about it: if you have the flu, would you keep pushing through your day with appointments, going to the gym, or meeting friends? Or would you choose to hop into bed, stay hydrated, take your vitamins, and get more sleep? Which option is more likely to promote healing?
In my coaching practice, I often emphasize the importance of the 3 Rs: Rest, Relaxation, and Repair, particularly when my clients are looking to improve their overall health. If the body does not rest, it cannot truly relax; and without relaxation, the stress hormone cortisol increases. Elevated cortisol levels contribute to inflammation, causing the body to operate at a slow burn. This ongoing stress makes it even more challenging for the body to repair itself. When cortisol levels remain high due to chronic stress, it affects various body systems and can hinder things like wound healing, disrupt sleep, impair exercise recovery, prolong infections or illnesses, and negatively impact mood, mental health, and cognition. Additionally, chronic elevated cortisol can be a precursor to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, digestive issues, and mood disorders.
Whenever you need to focus on your health—something you should do every day—keep this important tip in mind to optimize your healing: REST + RELAX = REPAIR. Allow your body the space it needs to do what it does best: take care of itself.
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