As many of you know, I have Graves Disease. It is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid.
It took ages to get properly diagnosed.
Fast heart rate is my biggest issue, which I am currently on medication for.
Sometimes my heart will race while I’m in totally resting mode.
One night, my heart was beating so hard, that my husband could hear it through the mattress while laying on his side.
Graves Disease makes you tired, it drys your skin and hair.
And then there are Thyroid Storms, where you vomit until you are dry heaving.
Many issues.
I think my positive attitude really helps with mine.
I am a very active person, but I am finally learning to slow it down.
Anxiety and stress are also big things with this disease.
If it’s there, I can stress and be anxious over it forever.
I Meditate, and that helps.
Until recently, I have been doing Yoga.
I am aware I need to keep my heart rate down, and I was noticing that Yoga was making my heart rate go too high.
Now, there are many forms of Yoga and I originally felt I was okay at the level I was at, but still…my heart.
After talking with my doctor and doing some research, I am going to try Tai Chi.
WHAT IS TAI CHI?
Tai chi is a form of exercise that began as a Chinese tradition. It’s based in martial arts, and involves slow movements and deep breaths.
SOME OF THE THINGS IT DOES:
- REDUCES STRESS
- IMPROVES MOOD
- PROMOTES BETTER SLEEP
I ordered a paperback copy of “Tai Chi for Dummies” so I can make notes in it. (gasp, writing in a book???) And also so I can be somewhat educated when I’m looking for an instructor.
I’m really looking forward to this new experience.
I will keep you updated on my progress or lack of, ha ha.
Below is a Winter Recipe for a Healthy Chai Tea Latte
Enjoy!