My cousin sent me a very interesting article about how healing fish oil can be with a TBI. It's amazing that she sent this because my mom and I have been discussing the importance of fish oil! Is the universe trying to tell me something? I already take 4 pills a day but I wonder if I should increase the dosage. Any advice?
Click on the link below to read the article! So interesting!
http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/19/health/fish-oil-brain-injuries/index.html?hpt=hp_c2http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/19/health/fish-oil-brain-injuries/index.html?hpt=hp_c2
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Some Work Out to Work Out; I Work Out to Work
OK so I don't lead the most exciting life.
I am very conscious that I don't always feel like I have a lot to show for my day. At the moment, I don't technically have a job (can't drive to one, need a job that would hire me yaddy yaddy yadda) but I do work. The difference in what I do now, and a "normal" job, is that my job right now is to get better. And to do that, I need to work out.
I don't work out because I am bored or want to get skinny (though c'mon, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't care if I gained a bunch of weight). I work out because I have to. It is the only way I can get my brain and body to recover. I'm aware of the fact that I will not be the same person that I used to be, but I will recover.
Moving to Memphis and adjusting to a new gym, plus realizing and accepting that my body is at a different place than it was 6 months ago, I've readjusted my workout regimen. I still do my regular workout that has both cardio (20-40 mins between the elliptical and the stair mill), lifting weights (both arms and legs), and working on my core (great for balance) as well as days where I mainly do cardio, balance, (the Bosu Ball and I have a very love/hate relationship) and some basic agilities.
Lately, I have combined my old workout with new things. I have started doing spin class 1-3 days a week (which is obviously a great cardio workout but also is great for balance, muscle control, and my grip), and occasionally a class that really challenges my small muscle groups, balance, and stability. Then a few weeks ago, I started to work out with an assistant strength coach for the football team at the University of Memphis 1-2 days week. With him, I have lifted weights, challenging muscles that I don't normally reach, which helps with my proprioception as well as making muscle fibers fire that aren't necessarily firing that should be. We also do agility type wok which challenges my body to move in ways that should be easy and are not. These days kill me. Next week (hopefully) I am starting Bikram Yoga. I am pretty sure that this will take challenging me to a new level. From everything that I am told and read about I think it'll be great for me as well as insanely hard for me. I'll definitely document how that goes.
Basically, through doing all of this, I am consistently working my muscles to create new pathways between my body and my brain. In doing so repetitively the goal is that my brain will use these new pathways and fire these muscles, stabilizers, use balance, and proprioception on its own, without me forcing it to do so.
I am very conscious that I don't always feel like I have a lot to show for my day. At the moment, I don't technically have a job (can't drive to one, need a job that would hire me yaddy yaddy yadda) but I do work. The difference in what I do now, and a "normal" job, is that my job right now is to get better. And to do that, I need to work out.
I don't work out because I am bored or want to get skinny (though c'mon, I'd be lying if I said that I didn't care if I gained a bunch of weight). I work out because I have to. It is the only way I can get my brain and body to recover. I'm aware of the fact that I will not be the same person that I used to be, but I will recover.
Moving to Memphis and adjusting to a new gym, plus realizing and accepting that my body is at a different place than it was 6 months ago, I've readjusted my workout regimen. I still do my regular workout that has both cardio (20-40 mins between the elliptical and the stair mill), lifting weights (both arms and legs), and working on my core (great for balance) as well as days where I mainly do cardio, balance, (the Bosu Ball and I have a very love/hate relationship) and some basic agilities.
 |
| Look at these 2 nuts! They seem to be loving the Bosu Ball! |
Lately, I have combined my old workout with new things. I have started doing spin class 1-3 days a week (which is obviously a great cardio workout but also is great for balance, muscle control, and my grip), and occasionally a class that really challenges my small muscle groups, balance, and stability. Then a few weeks ago, I started to work out with an assistant strength coach for the football team at the University of Memphis 1-2 days week. With him, I have lifted weights, challenging muscles that I don't normally reach, which helps with my proprioception as well as making muscle fibers fire that aren't necessarily firing that should be. We also do agility type wok which challenges my body to move in ways that should be easy and are not. These days kill me. Next week (hopefully) I am starting Bikram Yoga. I am pretty sure that this will take challenging me to a new level. From everything that I am told and read about I think it'll be great for me as well as insanely hard for me. I'll definitely document how that goes.
 |
Like any job, there are days when I am not motivated, not productive, or play hooky. But also like having a job, I make myself go at least 5 days a week. I have to be consistent or I take steps backwards which, in this scenario, it's just not ok. I work out not only for me, but for my family, my husband, my friends, and my future family. I have real goals and motivations. Working out is my job; my profession, and I don't usually take it lightly.
Monday, October 8, 2012
A Day in the Life - Let's Go Grocery Shopping!
I know I have been absent. I seem to continue to think negatively about my situation right now. I think my slump not only comes from my 'woe is me' attitude, but the fact that I recently moved to Memphis and don't really feel like myself yet. I know that this is something that almost anyone who has moved can relate to; it's just hard. It's hard for me to really open up to people I am getting to know, or in situations where I don't feel like I am in control.
I am dealing with that on top of the fact that I am getting used to introducing people I don't know to a side of myself that I am not really comfortable with yet. It's not comfortable to ask for help before you know someone, and it's hard to be myself without asking for some help. *sigh* it's a vicious cycle. I'll get over it.
To try and bring myself out of my little pity party, I decided that I need to focus on things that make me happy. One of the little things in life that gives me joy and comfort is cooking. In honor of the fall (cold-ish weather finally came to Memphis, though it's not supposed to really last) I am cooking turkey vegetable chili and corn bread muffins. In order to do that I need to take a little trip to the grocery store. For most people (excluding those in NYC etc) you just get in your car and go. For me, there i a little more strategy involved.
I need a few things to make my life easier:
I am one of the 6 people in the country that don't have the iphone yet (yes, I'm exaggerating... I'm probably 1 of about 13) so I had to get the notepad app. It's a wonderful tool for me because it makes my grocery list legible.
This disposable bag is one of my favorites. Yes it's good for the environment, but what I really value about it is that I can put it on my shoulder which helps IMMENSELY with my balance when I am carrying anything while walking.
And look! I can fold it into a little package to fit in my purse!
My cross body bag which is crucial every single day of my life. Thank God cross body bags are 'in' and popular because it makes my life so much easier. The fact that I have the use of my arms as well as the distribution of weight helps my balance a lot.
This is my walk to the store right out of my complex. The grocery store is down at the end of the street. This is not a walking town (Rarely do you see people walking for purpose here) but it's obviously very possible.
Made it. Look at Righty steering the cart; clinging on for dear life.
I ended up bringing 2 grocery bags, thank goodness. One for each shoulder.
For my right side, I place the bag on my right shoulder, guide my hand to clutch the bag and try and keep my arm in place for the walk home.
Some days are harder, some days are easier, but regardless, my tools are always the same. I am so thankful that we not only live in a part of town that allows me to do this, but the fact that I am able to do this at all. That fact alone makes me a little happier.
I am dealing with that on top of the fact that I am getting used to introducing people I don't know to a side of myself that I am not really comfortable with yet. It's not comfortable to ask for help before you know someone, and it's hard to be myself without asking for some help. *sigh* it's a vicious cycle. I'll get over it.
To try and bring myself out of my little pity party, I decided that I need to focus on things that make me happy. One of the little things in life that gives me joy and comfort is cooking. In honor of the fall (cold-ish weather finally came to Memphis, though it's not supposed to really last) I am cooking turkey vegetable chili and corn bread muffins. In order to do that I need to take a little trip to the grocery store. For most people (excluding those in NYC etc) you just get in your car and go. For me, there i a little more strategy involved.
I need a few things to make my life easier:
I am one of the 6 people in the country that don't have the iphone yet (yes, I'm exaggerating... I'm probably 1 of about 13) so I had to get the notepad app. It's a wonderful tool for me because it makes my grocery list legible.
This disposable bag is one of my favorites. Yes it's good for the environment, but what I really value about it is that I can put it on my shoulder which helps IMMENSELY with my balance when I am carrying anything while walking.
And look! I can fold it into a little package to fit in my purse!
My cross body bag which is crucial every single day of my life. Thank God cross body bags are 'in' and popular because it makes my life so much easier. The fact that I have the use of my arms as well as the distribution of weight helps my balance a lot.
This is my walk to the store right out of my complex. The grocery store is down at the end of the street. This is not a walking town (Rarely do you see people walking for purpose here) but it's obviously very possible.
 |
| There it is! A quick .2 miles away! |
Made it. Look at Righty steering the cart; clinging on for dear life.
I ended up bringing 2 grocery bags, thank goodness. One for each shoulder.
For my right side, I place the bag on my right shoulder, guide my hand to clutch the bag and try and keep my arm in place for the walk home.
Some days are harder, some days are easier, but regardless, my tools are always the same. I am so thankful that we not only live in a part of town that allows me to do this, but the fact that I am able to do this at all. That fact alone makes me a little happier.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Don't Quote That!
Honesty is the best policy, right?
Well if I am honest, the reason why I haven't been blogging lately is because sometimes it's hard to have a positive or hopeful outlook on what happened. Sometimes what was taken away can be devastating. So to write about it seems too dark, like I wouldn't want to see my own thoughts written down.
I read this quote recently: "Don't spend your'e whole life trying to get back something that was taken from you." Initially, I thought it was great; yes, life is different now! It's time to adapt. Then after thinking about it, I found the quote quite depressing. How dare someone say that? Like I said before, I refuse to get used to this and I kind of feel like that quote is telling me to do so.
I'm sorry, but was that quote referring to feeling like your personality was taken away? Your destiny as a women? Because you know what, I'm going to go ahead and fight tooth and nail to get that back. That quote is crap. Fight; get back what was taken; discover new ways to live life along the way.
So until I get out of my slump, stop thinking about how dumb that quote is, and start taking my own advice, I will think about happy and inspirational things!
Happy:
Swimming in the Pacific Ocean. I feel like me!!! I get so happy just thinking about it I want to cry.
Inspirational:
Brock Mealer - I wrote about him and shared his story on an earlier post. I worked out with him and got to see him make amazing progress and he just keeps FIGHTING and making more progress. If you think you're tough, you're not. Check out someone who is: (his latest progress)
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/mealer-family-walking-tall-after-tragedy
and
this video
Well if I am honest, the reason why I haven't been blogging lately is because sometimes it's hard to have a positive or hopeful outlook on what happened. Sometimes what was taken away can be devastating. So to write about it seems too dark, like I wouldn't want to see my own thoughts written down.
I read this quote recently: "Don't spend your'e whole life trying to get back something that was taken from you." Initially, I thought it was great; yes, life is different now! It's time to adapt. Then after thinking about it, I found the quote quite depressing. How dare someone say that? Like I said before, I refuse to get used to this and I kind of feel like that quote is telling me to do so.
I'm sorry, but was that quote referring to feeling like your personality was taken away? Your destiny as a women? Because you know what, I'm going to go ahead and fight tooth and nail to get that back. That quote is crap. Fight; get back what was taken; discover new ways to live life along the way.
So until I get out of my slump, stop thinking about how dumb that quote is, and start taking my own advice, I will think about happy and inspirational things!
Happy:
Swimming in the Pacific Ocean. I feel like me!!! I get so happy just thinking about it I want to cry.
Inspirational:
Brock Mealer - I wrote about him and shared his story on an earlier post. I worked out with him and got to see him make amazing progress and he just keeps FIGHTING and making more progress. If you think you're tough, you're not. Check out someone who is: (his latest progress)
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/mealer-family-walking-tall-after-tragedy
and
this video
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