For those of us living with Lupus, sleep comes with the territory. On a normal basis, we live with debilitating fatigue that requires us to get upwards of 10 to 12 hours of sleep just to be able to function in the world. When we’re healing from a Lupus flare or some other related episode, as I am after my episode of atrial fibrillation last week, we need even more sleep. Healing, restful sleep…. **
Body
One word to describe my Lupus body today: Healing (Still)
Which habits and rituals did I practice to soothe my Lupus body?
- Slept well
- Stayed hydrated
- Ate a clean diet
- Was intimate
More details about my physical symptoms:
Today, I slept more than I have for some time. After the hospital stay (due to my episode of atrial fibrillation, or a-fib), there was Thanksgiving with family, then more doctor appointments and physical therapy. My Lupus body demanded rest after all the activity. Knowing that it takes longer for people with Lupus to heal than it does for everyone else, I didn’t really have a choice in the matter. There’s nothing like sleep to help a body heal…
Mind
One word to describe my Lupus mind today: Thoughtful
Which habits and rituals did I practice to strengthen my Lupus mind?
- Managed expectations
- Protected alone time
- Learned about Lupus
- Connected with doctor
More details and thoughts about how I’m feeling emotionally today:
Because today was really the first day I’ve had to myself, I decided to allow my thoughts about what my body just went through to pass without processing (read: overthinking) too much. And, boy that wasn’t easy because the thoughts were all over the place—mostly fearful what-ifs related to the hospital stay, reliving the emergency, dismissing the lingering chest pain, and pondering the question–why did this happen? Thankfully, I’ve connected with several of my doctors since the episode, and I felt reassured and fairly confident in dispelling most of the thoughts so that I could get some rest.
Spirit
One word to describe my spirit today: Loved
Which habits and rituals did I practice to nurture my Lupus spirit?
- Enjoyed sacred space
- Meditated, prayed, visualized
- Embraced uncertainty
- Loved myself
Thoughts about my spiritual connection and spiritual lessons learned today:
Today, I loved myself by allowing glorious sleep in the sacred space of my bed. I don’t usually think of my bed in this way, but today was different because it wasn’t just because of my normal Lupus fatigue. Sleeping today was more fulfilling, healing, and restful. Also today, I felt even more love when Hubby brought me a bit of Spring on this cold, windy, and dreary day in December. Yep, he brought me a bunch of beautiful, fragrant roses! My favorite. I was so touched by not only the visual loveliness of the flowers, but also by how he goes out of his way to make me smile. As if his devotion in the hospital wasn’t enough, he goes and does this. His love fills my spirit to overflowing.
Spirit
Today my meals were:
- Breakfast: Scrambled egg (organic), fresh bacon, gluten-free cinnamon raisin toast
- Lunch: Homemade tuna sandwich on gluten-free bread
- Dinner: Homemade (crockpot) Navy bean soup, chicken wings, green salad
- Snacks: Cashews
- Water: 48 ounces
Thanks
At least one thing that I’m grateful for today:
- A wonderful Hubby
- Beautiful roses from Hubby
**(This post is based on the format of the Lupus Diary that I developed for keeping track of how Lupus affects my body, mind, and spirit, I check-in here once a week to let you know about the more interesting days of my Lupus journey. To learn more about the Lupus Diary, how I developed it, and why I use it, click here.)
