During sleep our bodies rejuvenate and restore. So, it's vital we get enough quality rest while we heal our body from disease.
When we have an illness or disease the body requires extra rest and sleep for healing to take place.
Let's take a look some ways we can improve and embrace this important element of healing.
1. Choose the right fuel to avoid fatigue
Tiredness can occur when we don't consume enough calories, vitamins and minerals which cause us to run out of energy.
It's important to fuel our bodies with low allergen & high nutrient dense foods like:
- Colourful vegetables
- Potatoes/ Sweet potatoes
- Fruits
- Whole grains
Starches like potatoes and grains are the bodies preferred source of energy and have been relied upon for 1000's of years. Starches from fruits, which contain simple sugars provide a faster energy source and can boost energy levels more quickly.
Those with chronic disease have a harder time than most, because quite often their digestive system is faulty and they have food intolerances, which limits what they can eat. Everyone must learn how to adapt their diet to suit their own individual needs.
The Cooling Habits Anti-Inflammatory program, accommodates for different food sensitivities, so you can continuing eating a nourishing, low allergen diet that will give you energy. You can read more about it here.
2. Are you getting enough sleep?
Tiredness is your body's way of telling you to slow down, rest and refuel and is not a signal to have a coffee, sugar or some other stimulant to keep going.
While you are healing, you should be aiming for 9-10hours of sleep per night, plus extra day time naps as needed. This is not a luxury, it is a necessity to heal.
If you are getting broken sleep during the night, try to catch up and get extra rest during the days when possible. Without enough sleep you're limiting the amount of time your body can rejuvenate.
Often fatigue is the first sign of illness like a cold or flu and if you listen to your body early, your recovery time will be shortened.
3. Don't overdo things
As your body heals, vitality and energy will return, but be very careful not to overdo things in the early days.
With your new found energy it is easy to overestimate how much you can do. Burnout is a real possibility and may send you backwards and force you to start all over again.
Get help with household chores and preparing meals to allow your body time to rest.
We all know life can be hectic with full schedules and commitments and no-one has time to be sick. Sleep is often seen as a waste of time and not given priority, when it should be!
If you are tired make time to rest and refuel with quality, nutrient dense foods, not sugar and processed carbohydrates devoid of nutrients. If you can't nap, then take a 5-10minutes break to sit quietly and rest before continuing your day.
Be patient with the healing process and don't underestimate the power of sleep, its essential for healing and needs to be a priority.