Happy September! I have always loved September. The days are still warm, but fall is slowly creeping in. It’s also my birthday month! I feel like the summer literally flew by. I’m partially wanting to hold on to the lazy days of summer, but also SO excited for the beautiful fall days! If you didn’t know, pumpkin is back at Starbucks (and pretty much everywhere else!) So even if it’s 90 degree like it is here in Greenville, you should treat yourself! This is 2022 and we don’t live by arbitrary rules anymore.

I have shared a lot about my physical and mental health healing journey on the blog. Last fall, I was diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety after working through the pandemic as a nurse. In January, I tested positive for Covid and ended up with long haul covid. Chronic fatigue, pain, and heart palpitations are a few of the symptoms. I feel I am making improvements on both my mental and physical health but it’s been a long road.

I want to continue to practice what I preach and focus on holistic practices and wellness I can do along with the western medicine I’m using- medication. I believe a combination of the two can really help a lot of people heal. I don’t think medication and therapy is enough, you need to work on supporting your full body through other practices as well.

Today, I’m sharing some intentions I’m setting to try to support my continued mental, emotional, and physical healing journey. I would love to hear your September Intentions below!

Affirmations 

I write affirmations throughout the week for various things with Nurses Supporting Nurses and they really are helping with my mindset and self talk. I am not a believer in the toxic positivity but I do think most of us could work on being more kind to ourselves. My goal is to say my affirmations every morning, and truly work on believing them. To receive affirmations for your week- check out the NSN Instagram (nurses.supporting.nurses) every Sunday.

Mental Health Walks & Yoga

I use to walk (actually run a lot of days) daily with my dog, and that is something I have really struggled with on my long haul covid and mental health journey. Chronic pain and fatigue make it really hard to get up and go on a walk a lot of days. However, I know my body and mental health needs movement and time outside. I also have ventured into yoga over the past few months and I feel its helpful for my joint pain and it’s a great way to practice mindfulness. This month I hope to do at least 3 walks a week and 2 yoga sessions a week. I am working on making modified, manageable goals/intentions for myself. I use to run 4-5 days a week and now a walk around the block can be hard. So I need to find activities that bring me joy without increasing pain or fatigue. Yoga and walks so far have been great.

Nutrition

Constant traveling, not always having your own kitchen, being on the road, can make nutrition hard. Add in work and helping my husband run a business. All of this, and food can kind of become just a quick necessity to survival. I have been trying to incorporate more vegetables, fruit, and lean means into our diet. I have to say, when I add in more nutrient dense food- I honestly feel better. I’m not saying I am perfect, but I definitely notice a change in my energy levels and pain. And I’m not here to say “junk” food (not a term I use) is the enemy, I definitely have been indulging in some pumpkin treats as I find them! But, adding in a salad (I am LOVING greek salad with homemade greek dressing) or having fruit as a snack (apple and PB is forever my fav!) is definitely helpful. This month I hope to continue to focus on feeding my body better and adding in even more fruits & vegetables.

What are your September intentions? I’d love to hear about them below!