In our fast-paced world, it's all too easy to fall into the trap of prioritizing work above all else, even our health. The "soldier on" mentality, where we push through illness to meet our responsibilities, can have devastating consequences. I learned this the hard way through a dear friend who was always determined to make work her top priority. She derived her sense of self-worth from her job, ignoring the small warning signs her body was giving her until she suffered a major health crisis—a heart attack…..she is not ok, a commonly held believe is that we can come back from a heart attack but the statistics tell us that we have a less than 10% chance of full recovery from a heart attack incurred out of a hospital.
The Danger of Ignoring Your Body
When we ignore minor illnesses like colds or flus, we send a message to our bodies that rest and recovery are not important. This mindset can lead to more severe health issues down the line. Our bodies have a remarkable way of communicating with us. Sickness is not just an annoying setback; it's a signal that something is out of balance. If we don't listen to these early warnings, our bodies will find more drastic ways to get our attention, such as cancer or stroke.
The Importance of Listening to Your Body
When you get sick, it's crucial to listen to what your body needs rather than succumbing to the anxiety-driven urge to push through. Your body is trying to tell you something important. Illness is a gentle reminder to slow down, stop your incessant doing, and start paying attention to your being. It's a sign that you need to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.
From an energetic perspective, sickness indicates a disconnect between your body and mind that has led to dysfunction. Ignoring minor illnesses can escalate into serious health problems. By listening to your body and giving yourself permission to rest, you can avoid these more severe consequences. Think of sickness as an opportunity to prioritize your health and make necessary changes in your life. It can be a powerful teacher if you're willing to learn its lessons.
Income Protection Insurance: A Safety Net
While listening to your body and taking care of your health are paramount, it's also wise to have a safety net in place for the unexpected. Income protection insurance or salary continuance insurance can provide financial security if you are unable to work due to illness. This type of insurance ensures that you can focus on your recovery without the added stress of financial instability. When I suffered from a mental health crisis I used self funded income protection insurance and it was literally a life saver.
Building Healthy Habits
Taking care of yourself when a minor illness strikes teaches you valuable skills for navigating more serious health challenges. The "soldier on" mentality, often promoted by marketing campaigns, suggests that you should push through illness because people depend on you. However, the reality is that your body depends on you to give it the rest it needs to heal. The people in your life can wait; your health cannot.
By listening to your body and responding to its needs, you cultivate habits that support your overall well-being. This proactive approach not only helps you recover from minor illnesses more effectively but also prepares you to handle more significant health issues if they arise. Prioritizing your health is a form of self-respect and self-love.
Soldiering on through illness is not a badge of honour—it's a recipe for disaster. By listening to your body and giving yourself permission to rest, you can prevent minor illnesses from escalating into major health crises. Additionally, having income protection insurance provides a safety net, allowing you to focus on your recovery without financial worries. You may have noticed the cold season in full swing and there are those who are pushing through and crashing and those who are listening and slowing down, remember, your body is depending on you to take care of it. The people in your life can wait; your health cannot. So, next time you feel under the weather, take a step back, rest, and listen to what your body is telling you. Your future self will thank you.
If you are struggling to listen to your body, this does not make you stupid... many aspects of our lives are designed to make this difficult. Get into nature, notice your breath, remove distractions. One of the very best places to learn to listen is on my Himalayan trekking retreat - I would love to help you discover the art of listening and finding space.
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