Self Care
Living with lipodema and chronic illness is hard and Covid has now made it harder. Health services have been have been pushed to their maximum and the limited help given to lipodema sufferers is now being rationed further. So now more than ever to cope with the physical and mental trauma of this chronic disease we have to care for ourselves
Self Care
We all have a responsibilty to look after ourselves for own well-being because if we are happy and well we are in a better place not only to cope with our lives but also to help others. On this page we will explore some simple solutions to help with Lipodema, Dry Brushing, Deep Massage (Fascia therapy ) and Hydration. We will look at healthy eating and exercise and how Self Love/ Respect, Self Confidence and Body Positivity can ease living with Lipoedema.
Dream
Take time out to be one with oneself. Quietly contemplate about who you are, what you are and what you are doing with your life. Look at yourself positively and with respect appreciate how special you are and learn to love the qualities you have. Dream of how you would like to be and what you want to be.
Reality of course moderates those dreams so drawing comparisons with celebrities does not work so our ambitions must be within the realms of what we can achieve. Set out a plan of what you want to do in small easy to reach steps. Get the satisfaction of reaching them and then on to the next.
Me Time
It is not selfish to find time to relax and recharge. If we do not replenish ourselves we can end up tired and depressed and easily succumb to illness. It might be a short break putting your feet with a cup of coffee listening to music or watching a favourite TV program or a relaxing shower or bath or just sitting in your garden or park watching the world go by. Try booking a massage or facial or go for a Spa Day. Relax, Relax, Relax both body and mind.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing originally an Ayurvedic form of treatment ritually was performed daily over the whole body. It has recently been adopted in the west as a beauty treatment as it gently exfoliates and tones the skin. The benefit for Lipoedema and Lymphodema sufferers is that it can be used to move the Lymph to reduce swelling in the legs (Lymphatic Drainage). A special Lymphatic Detox Brush is used to massage the legs, gently but firmly massaging in sections starting at the feet and working upwards.
Fascia Blasting
Fascia Blasting is a form of deep massage using special tools developed by Ashley Black. Massage is done with a plastic tool which manipulates the fascia (connective tissue) breaking down subcutaneous fat and cellulite. It can help relieve muscle stiffness and pain and fibromyalgia and many other ailments
Mindfulness and Body Positivity
"I think therefore I am" the fundemental of modern philosophy is so true when we think about ourselves. It is how we perceive our being and is how we see ourselves. In this world of social media, celebrity culture and selfies our perception of what we expect to be becomes unreal. We are swayed by what, freinds and family and sometimes strangers think of us (or what we imagine they think of us). We are who we are not what others imagine us.
There are some people who criticise (insult) others looks, this is ignorance and bullying often to boost their own ego by assuming they are superior. Dismiss this negativity, find your positive vibes, you have a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. You are a loving mother, wife, sister, you have a wicked sense of humour, you are a great cook, you are creative and hardworking. You may not be good at all of these things but may be able to nurture and develop them. You may need a boost, a make over can bring, a new hairstyle, eye brows and lashes , having your nails done and new makeup , can change the way you look and feel
Body Positivity
We all come in different sizes, short, medium, tall, wide and thin. This also changes with age and lifestyle. We need to learn to accept the bodies we have regardless of flaws, shape and size. We should ignore unrealistic body ideals portrayed by the media and by posing celebs.
We should look after our bodies ensuring we are healthy , with good food choices and exercise. We can enhance the way we look by the clothes we wear, some new clothes and a change of style can boost our confidence and self esteem.
We should take the focus away from our bodies and look at other positives in our lives our personalities and abilities.
Above All Love ❤️ Yourself
Hydration
Drinking a plentiful supply (around 2 litres) of pure water throughout the the day will help reduce legs swelling and reduce fluid retention.
Reducing salt in your diet also brings down fluid retention which in turn helps with swollen legs.
Stay Healthy
Maintaining a healthy well balanced diet (with the right proportions of protien, vegetables and calories) is key to a healthy body. Avoid fast food and ready meals which are often high in salt, carbs and bad fats as well as additives. If you need to lose weight ensure you are in calorie defecit ie you use more calories than you eat. You can measure calories used with a fitness tracker which quite often monitor heart rate and sleep as well. Make a calorie counted eating plan, from easy to make recipes which can be batch cooked for convenience. Combine this with an exercise plan to burn calories, build strength and to tone up your body. Getting the right amount of sleep especially when following a diet or exercise is important as when you are tired you are tempted by extra snacks and lose the will to exercise.
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