6 Little Ways To Nurture Yourself

This week has been a bit of a whirlwind.

I went to the doctors and it was confirmed that I have what is known as a TMJ Disorder.  This is inflammation in the joint which connects the mandible (lower jaw) to the skull.  My doctor told me just to keep resting my jaw (i.e., no chewy breads or yummy valentine chocolates!) and to take ibuprofen as needed.

Foods I’ve Been Avoiding Like The Plague:

• Salads
• Sandwiches with chewy breads
• Nuts and Seeds
• Granola and Cereals
• Whole Fruits
• Tough Meats
• Tempeh

Foods That I’ve Been Eating A Lot Of:

• Hummus
• Yogurt
• Cottage Cheese
• Muffins, soft tortillas and soft breads
• Green Smoothies
• Fruit Smoothies
• Cheese
• Tofu
• Soft Fish
• Soups

As painful as TJM Disorders can be, it’s nice to know that there are soft, healthy options that still taste good for when flare ups come.  Since my doctor said that I’ll most likely get this again from time to time, I plan on building a repertoire of soft foods that I’ll enjoy eating.

Hello, ice cream. 😉

In the midst of a busy week of working, doctor visits, and veterinary visits (for Humphrey!), I’ve been trying to sneak in some me time.  I’m a huge believer in self nurturing…

6 Little Ways To Nurture Yourself

1. Go For A Walk.

Walking can revive your energy and calm you down after a busy day.  Choose a calm, quiet place where you can take in the beautiful scenery.  Don’t focus on pace or distance.  Just get out there!

2. Indulge With Your Favorite Lotion.

Never underestimate the power of your favorite scent!  Indulge in paying a little extra for your favorite hand and body lotions and use it throughout the day.

3. Take 10 Minutes Of Peace And Quiet.

Everyone (everyone!!) has 10 minutes.  Take the time to do nothing and enjoy the serenity of absolute peace and quiet.  Choose your favorite spot (outdoors or indoors), make a cup of tea, and just do nothing.  You’ll be amazed at how refreshing this can be (even for the Type A’s!)

4. Buy A Devotional Book.

I’m a fan of the author Joyce Meyer.  She writes a little devotional book called “New Day, New You,” which offers a new verse from the Bible each day and a little, one-page blurp.  This is how I jump start my day!

5. Do Something Out Of The Ordinary.

Buy a starbucks coffee on your way to work.  Stop at the grocery store on your way home and buy a fresh new magazine.  Eat dinner in the living room with your pj’s on.  Doing something out of the ordinary can fresh up your daily routine and put a little spark into your busy week!

6. Stretch For 10 Minutes At The End Of Your Day.

This doesn’t have to be a formal yoga or pilates session.  Sitting at work all day can tighten the muscles and make you feel achy and sore.  Learn a few simple yoga poses (downward dog and sun salutations are my favorites!) or simply do your own gentle stretching to loosen up after a long day.

QUESTION: How do you like to nurture yourself when life gets busy?

Fitness Friday

One of the worst scenarios for any foodie: TMJ disorder.  Or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.  Which means, basically, I can’t chew.  Or bite into a juicy strawberry.  Or yawn, even.

Thank goodness for a foodie sister who gave me a list of foods that I could eat.

“You could do scrambled eggs!  Or butternut squash soup!  Or a smoothie!  Or ice cream…do you want me to pick you up some ice cream??”

I’ll have you know that we’re facing a blizzard right now (1-2 ft of snow expected, wind howling,) and my sister still offered to brave the storm just so I could have a big bowl of ice cream.  Are there awards for sisters like this?  There should be.

I often find myself recommending foods to my patients who are required to be on a soft foods diet (usually denture related.)  And suddenly I can relate to them and their needs (example: as much as I love cottage cheese, I will not be eating this for breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks nor will I expect my patients to, thank you very much!)

Life is always offering lessons to be learned.  Providing a whole new outlook on a group of people who we can suddenly relate to.

Anyways.

Dinner tonight will be scrambled eggs with a oatmeal/banana smoothie and a hot chocolate for dessert.  Lots of drinking, minimal chewing.  I wish I would have taken Nicole’s advice before scarfing down a kale salad at lunch and a bowl of cheerios at breakfast.  Not very jaw friendly. 😉

~~~Fitness Friday~~~

Saturday: 4-mile run

Sunday: 2-mile walk

Monday: 2-mile run

Tuesday: 2-mile run + Yoga

Wednesday: 2-mile walk

Thursday: 4-mile run

Friday (today:) 2-mile walk + Yoga

We’re facing Storm Nemo this weekend, which means I’ll be cooped up indoors for the next two days.  Sounds like a good time to pull out my Jillian Michael’s DVD.  Or, maybe I’ll just spend the day shoveling and snowshoeing!!  I hope all of you fellow New Englanders are staying safe and warm!