As I write this, I am currently recovering from a week long run in with a cold & sinus infection.
Even with a daily stress management routine that I practice as regularly as I practice eating & sleeping, I am not immune to the effects of life as a special needs parent.
According to the American Institute of Stress, there are over 50 symptoms and side effects of stress, including: frequent headaches, neck and back pain, weakened immune system, insomnia, depression and mood swings.
As a meditator, my teacher encourages us to meditate through any illness, and actually suggests that when we become sick, we allow ourselves to do extra sessions to aide in the healing process.
I heeded this advice, and ended up only missing 2 days of work. I am convinced that although I am not immune to illness (especially because I care for a child that becomes sick very often) , my meditation practice decreased the inflammation in my body faster – and I recovered sooner.
I’m pretty convinced that my shorter illness wasn’t just a fluke, because there is now scientific evidence that a stress management routine practiced regularly has the ability to “dampen the activity of genes associated with inflammation” – essentially reversing molecular damage caused by stress.
Are you ready to get started with a stress management program? I’m ready to help you with a host of resources including this 20 minute guided meditation I recorded just for special needs parents and caregivers..
For more information, or to work with me privately, please contact me at sarah@oxygenmaskmeditation.com .
