You have been diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue...Now what? This is a significant health condition that can be crippling. First things first - allow yourself to process the new information and to grieve. Why grieve? Well...because in order to heal your body, mind, and soul you have to start implementing changes. Changes mean letting go of the old to make way for the new. This is not a time to be self-critical or judgmental. I know that this is easier said than done. It is a time to shift the story from "this sucks!" to "I am learning how to lovingly care for myself."
With any injury, we need to focus on nurturing ourselves back to health, this is the same thing. Let me just say that there is nothing wrong with you, you have just been living a little bit out of alignment with who you really are. This is an opportunity to make some course corrections, to slow down, and to learn what you truly need to be vibrant once again. Life is worth living and you are a very important puzzle piece that just needs to find where it goes in the big picture. The universe is supporting you by offering you a reason to pause, reflect, and adjust. Take advantage of this so you can build a foundation that is everlasting.
Some of the first things I did when I was diagnosed:
I cried! I finally felt validated and relieved that it wasn't all in my head.
I allowed myself to rest. I finally understood why I was so tired during the day.
I learned about nutrition specific to healing Adrenal Fatigue. There are so many conflicting dietary opinions, and most of those don't support this recovery process.
I got tested. Blood work, hormones, and food sensitivity testing helped me identify nutritional suppliments and dietary changes that were specific to me and would support my recovery.
I cleaned out my kitchen of plastic food containers, non-stick cookware, and conventional foods.
I restocked my kitchen with organic seasonings, organic pantry staples, glass food containers, and cast iron/stainless steel cook ware.
I stopped eating gluten, dairy, eggs, chicken, tuna, garlic, thyme, vanilla, and chocolate ( because of the sensitivity testing, lack of sleep, and reducing inflamation causing foods). There were 18 various food sensitivity items that I eliminated.
I started taking supplements.
I cried. I missed the foods I could no longer eat, the social aspect and convenience of eating out, ice cream, etc. I got angry, this sucks...
I had a pity party.
I regrouped.
I relearned how to cook, read food labels, and leveraged my energy to meal prep when I could so that when I didn't have energy I could still eat nutritious food.
I cried some more.
I got mad at God.
I grieved some more.
I reminded myself that I love myself and that I am investing in my health because I don't want to ever burn out again!!
I dove into learning about everything that would help my recovery (mind/body/spirit).
I expanded my meditation, journaling, and energy healing practices.
I reduced the energy leaks and stress streams as I became aware of them.
I have learned that I need to keep eating organic foods as much as possible. I now take my food with me to other people's houses and when heading out for day trips and overnight stays. When I do go out to a restaurant, I ask questions and make my own combinations from the menu. I am learning about different foods available, preparing new recipes, and how to grocery shop to make my budget stretch as far as it can. I am learning to be kinder in how I talk to myself. I am learning that my energy is precious, and I don't want to waste it on things that aren't supportive of me. I am learning how to listen to my body instead of pushing past it thinking that my mind knows best. I am slowing down, so I can savor moments and be more present. I am enjoying having down time with my son. I feel like I am standing on solid ground again. I am getting stronger each week. I am grateful for the wake-up call to change my life into something that is supportive of the real me. If I can do this, so can you!