Note: This article on taking time to heal is written by contributing writer, Tammy Strobel.
Have you ever struggled to slow down; especially when you’re healing from an illness or injury? If you answered “yes” to that question, I empathize and relate. Last year, I experienced some health challenges. I’m followed my doctor’s advice, and I feel much better now. The experience reminded me to slow down and rest. Without enough rest, healing is challenging. This is a lesson I continue to learn again and again. Maybe you can relate to that conundrum, too?
In this article, I’ll share simple ways that have helped me take time to heal. Also, the information provided in this piece is based on my life experience, and it is not medical advice. If you are struggling with an injury or illness, please consult a medical doctor. I hope the ideas below inspire you to take care of yourself.
Feeling guilty for taking time to heal makes healing harder.
Logically, I understand that healing takes time. I shouldn’t feel guilty for taking time off of work or for saying “no” to requests. After all, I’m not a robot. And yet, guilt still seeps into my consciousness. Resting isn’t easy for me because I don’t like being “unproductive” or letting people down; especially at work. Instead of being hard on myself, I’ve used my health challenge as a prompt to reevaluate my work life and daily routines. For example, I paused a few creative projects and I’m taking a break from volunteering.
I continue to remind myself that healing is its own form of work. Taking the time to rest – and heal – is more important than trying to do all the things. If I don’t take care of my body and mind, I’m not a good spouse, friend, employee, or community member. As author and Nap Ministry founder Tricia Hersey said, “ … I think rest is important for everyone, not just marginalized groups; this is a global message for an entire culture that is brainwashed, abused, and exploited by nonstop labor. People are really disconnected from their own bodies and spirits.” Hersey’s words reminded me to slow down, focus on healing, and to stay connected to my body.
10 Simple Ways to Encourage You To Take Time To Heal
Healing can be frustrating because it takes me out of my daily routine. Plus, the healing process can be even more challenging with a chronic condition. Below is a list of 10 simple ways that have helped me feel better while healing. The list below is in no particular order, and I hope the ideas inspire you to take care of your body and mind.
1.) Get enough sleep & take naps
Getting enough sleep is a delight; especially when I’m healing. I’m also grateful to be self-employed because I’m able to adjust my work schedule based on my needs. For example, when I recovered from surgery in 2021 this was incredibly helpful. I structured my days so that I could work a little bit (and take much needed naps). Take care and sleep well.
2.) Make your space cozy
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, my husband and I bought a new couch. We also purchased new blankets for our home, too. We’d been thinking of buying these items for years. I don’t regret it! Our couch and blankets make our living space cozy. Plus, I love resting on the couch. I snuggle with my cat, bird watch, and take time to appreciate the clouds. Looking for more ideas to make your space cozy? Read The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking.
3.) Savor a hot beverage
I enjoy drinking – and savoring – a hot beverage because it’s comforting. For instance, I love chamomile tea with oat milk and honey, or decaf coffee with a dash of oat milk. Based on my doctor’s guidance, I’ve removed caffeine from my diet. Kicking my caffeine habit has been challenging, and it’s part of my healing process. It’s also been fun to try new caffeine-free drinks.
4.) Distract yourself
When I’m not feeling well, I try to distract myself. Focusing on something other than pain helps me feel a little bit better. Some of my favorite distractions include Ludovico Einaudi’s music, romance novels, and podcasts. Recently, I read a series of books about vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. The books helped me escape into another world and forget about my health woes.
5.) Ask for support
Whether it’s dealing with an arthritis flare-up or recovering from surgery, I’ve learned how vital it is to ask for support. Asking for help is something I still struggle with, and I’m getting better at it. I’ve learned that my loved ones – and medical professionals – want to help. However, I have to be willing to ask for support.
6.) Start a delight practice
Ross Gay’s prose and poetry inspired some of my recent photography and journaling practices. Noticing what delights me always lifts my spirits; especially when I’m struggling with negative thoughts. For example, a few days ago I was writing at a local coffee shop. I was feeling sad and frustrated. However, my mood improved after I talked to two fellow patrons about their attire. The women were wearing matching dresses because they planned on pranking their kids. I aided their efforts by taking photos of them. The exchange immediately lifted my mood, and made me smile.
7.) Move slowly
I love riding my bike, taking long walks, and lifting weights. In essence, movement brings me joy, happiness, and it helps me cope with anxiety. But, when I’m healing from an illness or injury, moving like I’m used to isn’t possible. Instead, I move slowly. For example, I’ll take a very slow 10-minute walk in my neighborhood or I’ll do a few yoga poses. A little bit of slow movement boosts my energy.
8.) Feel your feelings
When I ignore my feelings, I end up feeling anxious and frustrated. I’ve learned to give myself permission to feel angry, frustrated, and to cry; especially after receiving a scary diagnosis or when I’m recovering from an injury. I love my body, and sometimes it can be frustrating and annoying. Acknowledging this reality helps me feel less alone.
9.) Be kind to yourself
One way I cope with negative thoughts is by being kind to myself. I would never tell a loved one to “heal faster” or “to be more productive” while they were recovering. So why would I do that to myself? Instead of being mean to myself, I try to be empathetic, kind, and to treat myself like my best friend. This reframing strategy has improved my mental health and boosted my happiness.
10.) Make a healing list
Get out your journal or use a note taking app on your phone. Then, make a list of 10 things that make you feel better while you heal. As you write, think about the activities, people, and places that make you feel calm, safe, and relaxed. For instance, I revisit the list I shared in this piece frequently. When I’m tempted to push myself too hard, my list keeps me grounded. Remember, healing takes time. Healing isn’t a race, so be kind to yourself, ask for help, and slow down while you recover.
Resources to help you slow down and heal
Looking for more inspiration to help you slow down and heal? Explore the resource list below:
- Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey is an incredible book. She makes a powerful argument against hustle culture. Herssey encourages readers to rest, slow down, and resist the go-go-go nature of capitalism.
- I loved reading The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage by Kelly McGonigal. McGonigal’s book isn’t about “healing” per se. However, McGonigal reminded me to focus on healing, so that I can do things that bring me joy. She’s also written other books – including Yoga for Pain Relief – that are on my “to-read” list.
- Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey by Florence Williams is a beautiful book. Williams explores topics like grief, loneliness, and why heartbreak hurts. She also wrote about the healing power of nature, and how connecting with others can help people heal.
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