So, what's been going on? Well, I've been using my essential oils, teaching 101 classes and helping other with their day to day health issues. That's not to say that I am qualified as a doctor or pharmacist -- I just find information and share it with those that ask, and let them make their own decisions. But now, I have a problem of my own.

I was getting over the cold on Friday 17, which began our winter recess. As soon as school was out, I was on my way to my daughter & son-in-law's house for a fun and relaxing week. I slept on the couch and didn't do my usual nightly routine of diffusing lavender & cedar wood. Now, I did have a residual sniffle or two, but the cold was basically over.
Fast forward - I got home late Thursday night and on Saturday morning, woke up with just a tinge of vertigo. I didn't think much of it, but then it hit big time on Sunday. I had to go sit and close my eyes. I felt nauseous. After a few minutes I felt better, but still wasn't ready to leave the chair. I got on my phone and checked out Facebook and came across a friend's post about how to relieve nasal congestion. As I dug deeper, I also discovered that this massage technique helped to clear out the lymphatic system. I figured that perhaps with the cold and no diffusing the past week, I may have clogged up. I did the massage for about 15 minutes and lo and behold, I was good to go!
Well, that was temporary. I have had vertigo nearly every day since. Not as severe, except my first day back to work when I almost had to sit down in the shower. I keep massaging and I recover quickly, but I wanted to know what was causing this.

What's next? Well, I decided to make some big changes -- changes I should have made long ago (and tried to, but they never take hold, right?) I'm going to focus on fresh veggies, a bit of meat, and abandon sugar as much as I can. I will probably still have a small square of dark chocolate after dinner because I think it does have some health benefits and it wards off other sugar cravings. (I like the 76% or 82% cacao.)
Okay, now the sad part. Exercise. Yeah, I'm terrible. I can do something for a few minutes, but I'm so out of shape that my stamina is gone. But, this article suggested "flash fitness," gentle pace for 3 minutes, then fast pace for 3 minutes -- repeat for a cycle of 21 minutes. That doesn't seem too bad.
Food? Fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats. All the good stuff you know you should eat -- but no sugar and no dairy. I don't eat much dairy as it is -- cheese on occasion, and half & half in my coffee on the weekends -- so that won't be hard.
So, that's my plan and I'm sticking to it.
I hope.
Okay, okay. I'll try my best and not give in! As I tell my students, you have to be motivated, persistent, and work hard. Assiduous. That's the word. I'll be assiduous.
Until I get back here ... See you soon!
Thanks for reading.
Linda