Spring: A Season for Renewal and Wellness
Spring has been here for about a month, signaling a time to clear our heads, refresh our minds, and sing a song or two. What mental health and physical well-being practices can we adopt this season? The possibilities are endless, and it’s crucial to consider the consequences of neglecting self-care. This blog explores the repercussions of poor wellness practices and offers insights using a personal case example.
Winter Struggles and Neglected Self-Care
Winter often brings laziness and a lapse in daily self-care. For me, the Winter of 2022 and 2023 was particularly challenging. A fall in November highlighted my struggles with neuropathy and forced me to confront my physical health issues head-on, leading to a journey of recovery and resilience.
A Rude Awakening: Hospitalization and Recovery
A sudden fall resulted in a trip to the hospital, where I spent hours in the ER and was later admitted for further testing. The neuropathy worsened, and I developed a severe wound that required ongoing care. After 14 days, I was discharged to a rehab facility where I began physical and occupational therapy.
Rehab Challenges and Progress
Rehab was a tough journey that spanned the holiday season, but it was essential for my recovery. Daily physical and occupational therapy helped me regain strength and confidence. While I’ve made significant progress since then, challenges like pain and numbness persist, requiring me to use mobility aids like a rollator or walker.
Lessons from Lived Experience: Recovery is Possible
My recovery journey has taught me that walking and spending time outdoors are therapeutic. Walking on the boardwalk, exercising, writing articles, and enjoying hobbies like poetry, mystery novels, and baseball are all ways I connect with the world and find relief from stress.
Pursuing Passions and Prioritizing Wellness
Making wellness a priority has been transformative. Pursuing passions and finding balance in life boosts emotional well-being. Though I lost my significant other, Maureen, her memory continues to inspire and uplift me, serving as a source of emotional strength.
Connecting Through Stories and Peer Support
Sharing personal experiences fosters connection and understanding. I value hearing others’ stories and sharing my own, as this mutual exchange strengthens mental wellness and promotes a philosophy of peer support in recovery.
Spring Brings New Hope
Spring symbolizes hope and renewal. It’s the perfect time to improve and strengthen our physical and mental health. As the days grow longer, let’s take the first step toward better well-being and embrace the journey ahead.
Ready, Set, Go: Embrace the Season
Spring is here, and it’s time to stand up, cheer, and take action. What are we waiting for? Let’s embrace the season with renewed energy and purpose.
See You in the Newsletter
Join me in celebrating Spring and prioritizing wellness. Let’s continue this journey together, sharing stories and tips in the newsletter and future blogs. Ready, set, go!
