How you feel physically is often the result of how you handle stress. Your emotions and how you mask them affect mental clarity, physical and emotional health. Many diseases are stress-related but in my experience few physicians tell you how to relieve stress effectively? If you’ve ever been told you have “xyz” and it’s caused by stress, wouldn’t you like to know how to learn how to prevent further disease?

About 12 years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and told by my physician that I would likely be in a wheelchair within 5 years.  I was devastated!  I had been taking nutritional supplements, had always been physically active, was happy in my marriage and I couldn’t quite grasp why this was happening to me. Eat healthy, exercise and rest – isn’t that what we’re told to do to stay healthy?

I wasn’t given any hope by my physicians and my body wouldn’t tolerant anti-inflammatories that were prescribed. I was told was “it’s stress-related”, at the time there was no specific successful treatment and little known about the condition.  I didn’t think I was stressed!  I didn’t feel stressed!  I thought my life was going pretty well.

WHAT???

I made a conscious decision I would not accept my diagnosis.  I was not going to fall victim to stress.  I sought alternative help, began appreciating life more and stayed active, despite the pain.  With a positive attitude, perseverance and a healthier diet I continued to keep my muscle tone and optimism. I cut back on specific foods that irritated me such as dairy, caffeine and chocolate.  (Oh beloved chocolate!)

I am not diminishing pain felt from stress-related diseases.  I relate to pain and suffering. I’m not a medical practitioner and am not making any medical claims.  What each and every one of us chooses to do about our own condition is our choice.  What works for one person may not for another. I am suggesting there may be alternative changes you could make to improve your condition and increase hope.  Your emotional and mental health is, in my opinion, as important as your physical health.

I know that being given a diagnosis that I was the result of stress, with a poor prognosis was unacceptable for me. I feel our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health must be in balance to live fully in optimal health.

If stress is the root cause of so many diseases people are suffering from, why aren’t people being taught more effective ways of dealing with stress?  Why isn’t the cause being treated instead of the symptoms being masked by prescription drugs?  For some people maybe it is, but for many, especially in recent years it’s not.  Physicians are over-worked and most are not looking at the complete picture due to time restraints.  Consequently as a patient it is up to us to advocate for ourselves and be clear about our needs when we visit our doctor.

I feel so grateful for discovering the answers to my pain.  A holistic approach to caring for my body has become routine.  Learning how to relax and enjoy life is a blessing. Do I still have fibromyalgia?  I know there’s still joint pain and I have flare ups, but I manage the pain and I live a healthy active life riding horses, walking, swimming, traveling and I’m NOT in a wheelchair and I am extremely grateful for the lifestyle I live.

I love teaching others how to find happiness.  I love inspiring and empowering people to try alternative methods that they feel aligned with.  As a life coach I support and encourage my clients to look at the “whole” picture of their health.  Without optimal health we can’t live fully.

I appreciate the body I have, the mind that functions well and my ‘soul awareness’ that allows me to be happy. Meditating daily, staying positive. consistently learning new processes of the law of attraction and practicing healthy strategies is what balances my life. It could make a difference for you too!

If you, or anyone you know suffers from a stress-related disease and would like to learn new strategies that could benefit your over-all health leave me a comment or email me at wendy@wendymackaycoachinginc.com

I recently developed a course ‘Discovering 7 Secrets to Happiness‘ and also give 1-on-1 coaching. Perhaps your stress could be released or eliminated with inspiration instead of being left on your own with a diagnosis that is less than satisfactory.

I prefer the direct approach and personal connecting with people so rather than opt-in to receive some free gimmic email me and tell me how I may help you.  Let’s talk and see if you resonate with my ideas.  wendy@wendymackaycoachinginc.com

Go out and have some fun – that always helps relieve stress!