There is no question that we live in a “Pharmaceutical Society.” By that I mean we tend to view everything through the lens of “this can be cured with some kind of pill.” New and more powerful drugs seem to be introduced almost daily to address a wide range of illnesses and discomforts. And while modern medicine is certainly a welcome ally in many health battles, it is not always the only one. Fortunately there are alternatives to drugs that can help us combat mental and physical ailments, often as effectively as pharmaceuticals, if not more so.
If you find yourself struggling with tasks and responsibilities at home and at work, it can result in stress, anxiety, and physical aches and pains. As a society, our first inclination is to reach for a pharmaceutical solution – perhaps something as ordinary as aspirin or as powerful as an opioid. We often turn to doctors for a diagnosis and cure and embark on a regimen of care that might address the symptoms but not the cause.
Instead, it might be helpful to first take advantage of opportunities to learn new ways of managing many health issues by exploring natural, organic, and mindful methods to achieve a more lasting wellness. Take the time to first take stock of yourself mentally and physically – what hurts, how, and why? That physical pain you’re feeling may actually be caused by something mental, such as stress, which can physically manifest itself in a myriad of ways. By understanding better how you react to certain individuals and situations you can find a way to more effectively deal with them to reduce stress and pain. For example, there’s yoga, meditation, and other methods for reducing stress and anxiety while increasing physical and mental strength and resilience.
Many people are discovering that the “old ways” to cure pains and relieve suffering are actually highly effective, but have simply fallen out of favor, drowned out by the drumbeat of modern pharmaceutical marketing. Natural remedies once used by our grandparents and great grandparents are being rediscovered and promoted through grassroots networks and the Internet. Of course, not all of them are effective and some verge on quackery, but a little research and careful consideration can help you uncover some wonderful natural alternatives to modern medicines. For example, many herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and peppermint have been found to be effective at curing a wide range of illnesses and pains.
The point is, it’s important for you to take charge of yourself, spend some time understanding your body and your mind, and developing your own ways to safely address certain challenges without drugs and manufactured “cures.” We need to be our own healthcare advocates and understand that it’s our lives and our bodies and be responsible for taking care of them. The medical community is without question a valuable resource, but it may not be needed immediately. Instead, take the time and make the effort to identify what ails you, how much you actually cause yourself, and how much can be attributed to other people and things. Then take a systematic approach to deal with your health and wellbeing, starting with the things you can do yourself.
Therapeutic Journaling can help you to explore how you are feeling and help you process the information you are receiving from family, the medical community and others. Are you looking for ways to get started with journaling about your health, please consider trying one of our downloadable courses titled Get Healthy in 24 Days.
If you want to learn ways to manage health issues through natural, organic, and mind methods while being a full time mom, please download the free eBook titled Avoiding the 24/7 Motherhood Struggle Through Journaling.
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