Why Are You Sick?

by Stacey Shipman on March 10, 2010

Have you ever been so sick you ask yourself, “Why am I sick?” or maybe it’s more like a desperate,”Why me?”

I spent the last few days with what was either the flu, norovirus or some other illness I wouldn’t wish on anyone.  Not “feel-good living”.

A few days prior, I began reading You Are What You Say: A Harvard Doctor’s Six-Step Proven Program for Transforming Stress Through the Power of Language by Matthew Budd, MD and Larry Rothstein, Ed.D.

Back Story

In the first chapter the author (Dr. Budd) describes his experience at a “transformational life” weekend workshop, of which he was initially skeptical.

As the seminar leader shouts out the ground rules, some as strict as “don’t speak until called upon”, the author notices a women start to cough and wheeze.  She’s having what appears to be an asthma attack.  As he approaches to help, she yells to the leader, “Don’t tell me what to do!” Long story short: Turns out the seminar leader reminded this woman of her father.  After this realization, she sat in her chair sobbing, releasing the old emotions.  Her coughing and wheezing ceased and her breath returned to normal. (for more details, read the book!)

He was reminded of a day from his youth when he came home from school not feeling well. When he arrived home his grandmother asked, “Why are you sick?” Several minutes passed before he broke down explaining that he was bullied during an after school baseball game.  After “sipping soup” and sleeping for 4 hours, he awoke feeling much better and ready to play ball again.

Could our emotions create our sickness?

My education and training in practices like Reiki, Yoga and other holistic healing methods lead me to say yes, our emotions can make us sick, on a large or small scale.  For example, have you ever had to present a talk to a group, felt fine all day, and suddenly, minutes before you’re up to speak you start coughing?  No sign of a cough all day?

As I pondered this question, “Why am I sick?” for myself, two answers immediately came to mind, both stress-related.  One theory had to do with my recent eating habits and another about my need to do too many things at once.

It’s no secret that stress is linked to various illnesses.  So why couldn’t my recent attack be stress induced?  It’s a hard thing to swallow, isn’t it?  To think we “do” this to ourselves.  And yet, if we do, does that mean we can “undo” it?  Powerful thought.

I look forward to reading more in Dr. Budd’s book about emotions, stress and illness and doing some research on my own.  But in the meantime, I throw the question out to you to get you thinking a little and to start the conversation.

Have you ever wondered, “Why am I sick?

What do you think about the link between stress and illness? Do you believe in it?

Read more from WebMd.com about the link between stress and illness.

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FGL Stretch Break! Desk stretch for chest and shoulders

by Stacey Shipman on March 3, 2010

Today’s Stretch Break! will help you stretch the chest, shoulders and even your wrists.  Today I offer two variations – one from a seated position and one standing. The standing version offers a deeper stretch, the seated version is great for those with back issues who need the support.  You know how you feel, choose the one most appropriate for you (seated version is demonstrated first).  You will need to be seated near a table or desktop for this one. Remember to breathe! And always remember, stretching is feel-good living.

Note: The Stretch Break! series is designed for the average healthy adult. Please always consult a physician before starting any exercise/movement program. If you have back, wrist or shoulder pain/injury these stretches may not be right for you. If you are unsure, please check with your doctor before participating in these exercises.

Enjoy!

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Local Feel Good Living: Alzheimer’s Partnership of the South Shore

February 27, 2010

Are you caring for an Alzheimer’s patient who lives on the South Shore of Massachusetts?  If so, you might be eligible for a grant from the Alzheimer’s Partnership of the South Shore.
Taken from the grant application:
Purpose:  The Care Assistance Program (CAP) of the Alzheimer’s Partnership serving over 20 South Shore communities provides matching funds for [...]

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FGL Stretch Break! Lower Back Stretch

February 25, 2010

Welcome to your weekly stretch break.  By request this week’s stretch is for the lower back, and you don’t even have to leave your chair.  For those of you with tight lower backs/hamstrings or high blood pressure, I offer a modification version first.   This is definitely one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it, [...]

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Featured in South Shore Living Magazine and Yoga Class Information

February 23, 2010

The March issue of South Shore Living Magazine is out and I’m featured as a stress management expert talking about workplace stress and finding balance – the natural way.  The article is quick (stress free reading!) and I hope you take moment to read it. Click here to read the article Ready…Set…Relax.
Yoga class in Hanover
Also, [...]

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Question of the Week: Is food marketing misleading?

February 22, 2010

Note:  Question of the Week is a new weekly series designed to help create more awareness and conversation about various aspects of your health and well-being.  I hope you join in the conversation.
I was recently interviewed on Money Matters Radio by host Chuck Nilosek.  (You can listen to the full 30 minute interview here.)  We [...]

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Local Feel Good Living: Cathi Burke, Heart of Reiki Center

February 20, 2010

Today’s local feel good living highlight is with the Reverend Cathi Burke, co-owner of the Heart of Reiki/Heavenly Messenger Center in Hanover, MA.
I met Cathi through a networking referral and we instantly hit it off. I had the pleasure of interviewing her about one of her many skills , EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique.  EFT [...]

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FGL TV Stretch Break! Chair stretch for hips and lower back

February 17, 2010

When you sit a lot during the day your hips and lower back get compressed and that creates stress on the body.  The hips also serve as a storage depot for emotional “stuff”.  During today’s stretch break I guide you through a chair stretch for hips.  Once again, this stretch is great for anyone who [...]

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Local Feel Good Living: Massage Therapist Jaime Fencer (review)

February 13, 2010

New! In support of my local community (Massachusetts), each week I will highlight news, resources and people to connect you to information you need to experience feel-good living.
Massage is indulgent to some, a therapeutic necessity to others. Massage is a great stress management tool, relaxation tool and a perfect healing therapy for athletes and those [...]

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Stretch Break: Side Bend and Simple Chest Stretch

February 10, 2010

Today’s stretch break will get you out of your seat for a side bend and simple chest stretch. When I do this in live programs I often hear “Oh, that feels good.” Always remember to breathe! And remember, stretching is feel-good living.
Note: The Stretch Break series is designed for [...]

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