When illness comes to visit, try the least harmful options first. Why? Because it makes sense to try the least harmful options before trying what could be considered more ‘harmful’ or invasive interventions and options, such as surgery or pharmaceuticals.
Let’s say I became suddenly sick (I know, shudder the thought), or found out that I had elevated blood pressure or high blood sugar. I would naturally take this news very seriously knowing this diagnosis could pose a very serious health threat. My first step would be adjusting my lifestyle in all of the known ways to combat the diagnosis. I’d up my game at eating better and healthier. I’d introduce additional forms of exercise such as yoga, walking, or riding a bike. I would try Mindful Meditation to combat stress and visualize positive outcomes. I would try herbs, nutraceuticals, flower essences, or homeopathics that are known to help in my condition. In other words, I would never jump into taking a pharmaceutical- first! Nor would I ever elect to have surgery before I tried every possible least ‘harmful’ option such as exercise, acupuncture, chiropractic, or bodywork, first!
That said, if a bus hit me, I’d be the first to say, “Air lift me to the nearest emergency room toute suite!” Trust me when I say I would not suggest calling anyone to come and lay crystals on me and chant, nor would I refuse medical attention in lieu of a guided meditation to heal a broken limb. Any trauma should be dealt with immediately and expertly. Yet we know that high blood pressure could be considered life threatening, and high blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance and a host of other health issues.
So how do you know what to do when you get sick?
Health Hack: Change the way you perceive sickness
There’s a magical moment in between receiving a diagnosis and “what should I do NOW?” which can be a very empowering one.
It starts with how you perceive sickness. This Health Hack involves a Mind Hack. Let's look at some common conditioning you might unconsciously be holding which skewed your perception and ultimately, colors your reality. Here’s just a couple:
*Holy crap! I’d better take the drug my Doctor suggests. After all, she/he deals with this all the time, so they must know what’s best for me.
*Or, ‘I always knew I would get this condition, just like (insert the name of a friend or relative here) and that was just the beginning of the end for them
And here is where the Mind Hack comes into play. Instead of allowing your brain to be hijacked into a negative scenario, change the way you perceive sickness by directing and choosing your thoughts purposefully. Old defeatist or death sentence thinking quickly becomes:
*Wow! This is clearly a warning signal and I’m grateful that I know about it. Now I can make positive changes!
*It’s in my power to change this! I can turn this diagnosis around and come out healthier and stronger!
*I’m eager to turn this around as quickly and easily as possible and am willing to make all of the necessary changes to achieve my goal of better health!
FEEL the difference between these two mindsets. This latter mindset puts you in the driver's seat, positioning you to see the overall situation from an empowered place. You still may not like knowing or implementing what is required to change a diagnosis, but at least you’ll be making an informed choice from a place of power, with the potential to try the least harmful choices first. SachiSays, become a Health Ninja and commit to change the way you perceive sickness. Your body will thank you!
Photo by Justin Luebke on Unsplash