As some of you know, last November I tore some ligaments in my ankle.
I was on crutches for a while, and I can’t even begin to describe the tedium of it!
But, I was reminded of some interesting lessons…
1. The sauna is a game changer for skin health.
During the time I was on crutches, I couldn’t sauna.
After a few weeks of this I noticed my skin wasn’t like it normally is…
And now that I’m back to sauna-ing, my skin is like my skin again (it took a few goes to get back to normal).
There are many benefits to saunas, and if you are trying to improve your skin, it’s a good addition to your healthy habits.
2. Losing muscle happens fast… regaining is another story.
Slow and steady is key for this. But not just walking slowly, actively paying attention to how you move and being balanced.
I mention this, because even without an injury, many of us walk unbalanced.
If we want to improve muscle quality and strength and posture, we have to focus on being balanced.
Balanced in how we move, plus improving balance in general.
Standing on one leg is a good way to improve this.
Actually, the ability to balance on one leg is a test used to check overall health.
Less than 10 seconds, we’re in trouble (it increases all cause mortality risk, so practice practice practice).
I feel all ages should be able to do this for much longer easily.
When you’re good at this one, try with your eyes closed (making sure you’re in a safe space to do so and maybe having something to grab on to just in case).
3. Doing things differently than normal can be great brain training.
Typically, we get into our routine, have certain habits we don’t even notice, and our brain gets used to it…
That kind of stagnation isn’t good for the brain.
With crutches, I had to do everything differently from how I put on my pants, getting a glass of water, and even how I was sleeping.
It is important to keep switching things up for the brain, learning new things, and sometimes making ourselves a little uncomfortable.
This can be as easy as switching which hand you brush your teeth with.
Switching up the drawers in your kitchen, so you can’t just be on autopilot the whole time.
Trying a different workout, hiking trail, coffee shop, learning a new language etc.
4. We have to move our bodies for healthy blood sugar.
I was pretty much stuck on the couch for a while, and it affected my blood sugar!
Normally, I’m happy to be able to say that with intermittent fasting, my blood sugar will come down below 85 easily.
But after a few weeks of forced couch time, my blood sugar was wonky!
Which, of course, also increases inflammation.
Which made the healing process more difficult (so I added some supplements to support my blood sugar).
Now that I’m moving about again, going on daily walks and other exercises, my blood sugar is great again.
Moral of the story? Move your body to support a healthy blood sugar level.
5. More magnesium!
I needed more magnesium while I was healing…
…. and I needed more magnesium while I was building up my strength again.
One night, I noticed I had not gotten enough ReMag (the only magnesium I use at this point since it is hands down the most effective one I’ve found).
So I was laying there awake, muscles sore, aching, uncomfortable!
All because I didn’t drink enough magnesium that day.
I grudgingly got up, drank my ReMag, and soon after I was finally asleep, and woke up with no aching or discomfort!
And now that I’m all healed up again, I’ll keep those learning moments in mind, be more mindful about how I move…
… and hold on to that new level of appreciation to be able to move freely and easily.
And now that I’m all healed up again, I’ll keep those learning moments in mind, be more mindful about how I move…
… and hold on to that new level of appreciation to be able to move freely and easily.
