Health – Tannika Nikeya

Whew. After an evening of trying on new clothes, I found myself sitting on the edge of my bed, feeling emotional. I noticed the changes in my body—some weight gain, more visible cellulite, and the lump under my underarm that has increased in size. On top of that, I’ve been experiencing some discomfort in my legs and hips, stiffness in my feet, and what might be the return of sciatica from my accident two years ago.

I’m not quick to claim illness or fatigue (my mother’s voice in my head still warns against that), but I do want to be more intentional about paying attention to what my body is telling me—and figuring out how to care for it as I move forward.

I’ve been stretching daily and exercising almost every day since my arm healed from a recent injury. I still get plenty of walking in by taking public transportation and walking the dog every day.

Despite that, this recent weight gain and recurring pain have been the hardest to shake. I’m planning to schedule an appointment soon with my new primary care doctor. In the past, I’ve felt gaslit during doctor visits, which made it harder to seek help.

I have ordered vitamins/supplements and the occasional workout gadget or piece of equipment, hoping that it makes much of a difference and because of my love for self care. I even cut out ice cream—aside from one family function—and I’ve been eating more fruits, vegetables, and salads (Caesar salads are my favorite) more frequently.

I wonder if I don’t give up hope and continue with my efforts as well as continue my healing journey mentally and spiritually, will next year be a year when the extra weight falls off, the lump gone, and little to no pain. In the meantime, I pray I embrace the changes to my body as well as fight through the pain. I will leave this here, but I may delete it soon.

I was in so much pain this week that my health was at the forefront of my mind again.

I am keen on building and maintaining my mental health and my spiritual health. But my physical health is just as important and it is my mission to have a healthy spirit, mind and body.

I have also learned through experience of feeling gaslit and frustrated when going to the doctor that at the end of the day I have to spearhead my own health journey. No one cares for me better than me. And no one cares for me better than me than God so I have to learn to also lean into His love and wisdom to take care of the body He gave me.

Years ago, I was in the audience of an up and coming live talk show and learned about the importance of daily stretching from the guest doctor. So, I started stretching but I have been more intentional in my daily stretching and recently started back with light exercises too, especially the ones I learned in physical therapy. I am also researching about how to treat inflammation.

I am taking my vitamins more as well as sea moss and elderberry gummies. After listening to Tabitha Brown on Instagram talk about Tumeric with Black pepper helps with sciatica, and with further research, I bought me some. I love my fruits and vegetables but I am now incorporating more healthier snacks to my diet. I just bought sea salt seaweed chips but I like the seasoned pretzels more. 😩

I am going to increase my drinking of water and decrease dairy in my diet. One other thing I love to do that helps with both the physical and mental is walking. I have also been trying to clear my sinuses. I asked my doctor what should I do or take to aid me in fighting my allergy symptoms that plague me so much. And lastly, I am working on getting more sleep and reducing the stress in my life. Stress can definitely have an effect on your body.

Special thanks to Shalamaar, who prayed for me this week.

What are your physical healthy goals? What changes will you be making to achieve them?