It’s been years and years that you’ve experienced illness and at this point you have just felt tired of being sick and tired. You go to a certified licensed health practitioner and are given a regimen to get you started on your journey to better health. You feel great that you have finally decided to take better control of your health. You follow the regimen for a few days when you begin to feel unpleasant symptoms popping up. You get nervous and feel anxious wondering if you did the right thing. You call your certified licensed health practitioner just to be on the safe side. After an evaluation they tell you that you are going through a healing crisis and to give it some time before you begin to feel better.
What Is A Healing Crisis?
A healing crisis is the physical, mental and emotional response in releasing illness and disease. It is when one experiences a variety of symptoms of the body and mind while undergoing a period of healing such as from a serious illness, going through a detox, quitting a harmful habit such as drugs/alcohol, and more. It is most often temporary and lasting only a short period of time in comparison to the disease itself.
What Are The Symptoms?
Not everyone experiences a healing crisis, yet if you do you will be able to spot some of the following signs:
Physical
Some physical symptoms of a healing crisis includes headaches, fevers, vomiting, excess mucus release (such as runny nose), skin issues and more. It may even mimic some of the symptoms of the disease itself as if it is coming back, however it is temporary before you begin to see an improvement from them with an overall feeling of good health.
Mental/Emotional
Feelings of anxiety, sadness, frustration and anger are not uncommon when going through a healing crisis. As you heal and adjust to a new and healthier you, you will be able to have better control of and experience these emotions less frequently.
8 Ways To Help Get Through A Healing Crisis
As you can see, a healing crisis doesn’t always seem so pleasant. So here are some things you can do to help ease the process:
Journal Your Thoughts
Keeping a log of your feelings can help you to process all that you are going through. Make it a point to keep a small notebook and pen by you at all times so whenever these emotions come up, you can release them by writing them down. Journaling is also good to keep track of your health journey and can be a great reference to consult when working with your doctor/certified health practitioner for regular appointments. It is even more beautiful to look back on your entries to see how far you’ve come when you’ve finished your healing process.
Spend Time In Nature
Sometimes taking the time to enjoy the beauty of nature is one of the best ways to allow yourself to clear your mind. Research here also suggests that time in “green spaces” can help one to cope with negative experiences by improving one’s mood. It also helps with reducing anxiety. Find a place such as a local park or simply check out your backyard. Take a look at your surroundings and try to find 10 beautiful things. Notice the colors and how many different kinds there are. What are the smells you can identify? Feel the earth with your hands and feet if you can.
Take Deep Breaths
The breath is such an important aspect in our lives that can easily be taken for granted. Taking the time out each day to just focus on your breath can be of help in reducing stress while undergoing a Healing Crisis. One way to do this is to sit on a chair/floor/bed in a quiet, peaceful area. Place your hands on a comfortable position such as your lap. Close your eyes and just relax a minute. Notice your breath. Now proceed to take deep belly breaths by breathing in and expanding your belly, breathing out and contracting. Do this at least 10 times (or as many times as you’d like) if you can. While you do this, put on a slight smile and be grateful for your breath. An added benefit is to focus on your health goal while you do this. You can also use guided breath meditations if you wish.
Self-Care/Pampering
Things you can do to pamper yourself includes getting a massage (either self or from a friend/family member), getting your hair done, manicure/pedicure, take a bath/shower with soft music and scented candles. These are some ways you can feel fresh and rejuvenated. If you are unable to afford to do some of these things or get someone to do it for you, ASMR therapy shown here may be an option for you.
See A Mental Health Therapist
A healing crisis can be quite difficult to go through on your own which is why seeking help from a qualified mental health therapist such as a counselor or psychologist can aid you in a variety of ways. For one, just having someone to talk to about what you are going through allows you to get it off your chest. It also opens the door for possible advice and coping mechanisms that you can employ in order to get through it. Methods such as seeing the positives of the health goal you are achieving and confidence in completing your journey are some of the benefits of seeing a therapist during this trying time.
Exercise/Workout
If you are able to, enjoy some exercise within your means as a part of your healing. Exercise has been shown here to help increase the secretion of dopamine in your body which can positively affect overall mood, especially upon successful completion of an exercise routine. Some workout ideas you may be able to try are yoga, walking, running, and bicycling. Just ensure that you consult your certified healthcare professional prior to starting a routine so you know where you stand on your physical capabilities.
Rest
Sometimes you just need a day to relax and for a moment in time just allow your body to rejuvenate from everything that may be going on. Making sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep at night and even squeezing an hour or two nap during the day can help give you the reset you need. Sleep is also a time in which your body can focus on necessary repairs.
Engage In A Creative Hobby
Finding a fun hobby such as creating a piece of art, jewelry, gardening and more can help to take your mind off of some thoughts. If you are looking for some more inspiration ideas you can do so here.
A healing crisis is the way your mind and body are adjusting to positive changes from being sick/stressed to a state of wellness. It can affect different people in different ways. What you experience may or may not be the same for someone else. What is important is that you get through this in a healthy way through positive outlets by continuing to focus on your self-care, physically and mentally, whether it is through talk therapy, taking up painting or going for a walk outside. No matter what, always focus on your healing goals! Remember, as a general disclaimer when undergoing any sort of healing regimen, be sure to keep in contact with your doctor/qualified healthcare professional to ensure possible other deeper issues aren’t going on.
Remember to stay active in your self-care!
Much Love,
*~Netert Aset~*
What are some ways you have gotten through a healing crisis?
About Post Author
Hey sis, I like this, I figure most ppl will need the info on how to engage in a creative hobby and get enough rest during these times cuz everybody is trying to overwork right now n forget to enjoy their own creativity…Keep goin love ya.
Hey Devin,
Yeah that is so true! Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the busyness of life that we forget to take the time to just chill and enjoy the simple things by doing what we love.
Love ya too. 😊