Your wellness DIY

Dear reader, thank you for choosing this book from the sea of books. Perhaps something inside you has led you to pick it up, whispering that here you will find what you need. I believe this will be an important step towards taking control of your own life and it won’t be an easy one, but I also know that together we can make some changes to help you deal with sadness, anxiety and fears. I say it because I’ve been through that myself, and every piece of advice in this book is based on my personal experience. We live in dynamic times when, more than ever, we have to face thousands of challenges every day. Often, we are inundated with negative news, tasks that must be completed here and now, and expectations that need to be met. At work, we are constantly chasing deadlines, and at home, instead of the desired rest, we often have to juggle between household chores and taking care of our loved ones. When we are in good health, it’s easy to handle the countless commitments, remaining calm and optimistic. However, this is extremely difficult when we are dealing with a health issue. Even the smallest change can then cost us enormous efforts, making us feel exhausted, desperate, tired and negative. And when we struggle with sadness, fears, anxiety, and negative thoughts, our lives easily turn into a joyless burden. We start feeling lost and doubtful about being healthy again and getting back the joy and love in our lives. I’m saying all this because I know from my personal experience what it’s like to feel helpless and confused about which way to take. For me, everything started in 2016 when, after a car accident (fortunately with no serious injuries) and with the accumulated stress from years of constant travelling and taking care of my little son plus the chronic neglect of self-care, I collapsed both mentally and physically. Looking back, I realize I had ignored the signals for a long time without taking the time to address them. As a result, the following two years brought me face-to-face with conditions unfamiliar to me until then — panic attacks, depression, fears, intrusive thoughts, and phobias —that made each day extremely difficult to endure. I entered one of the darkest periods of my life which, alongside my suffering, opened doors to new knowledge. We often hear that everything that happens to us has a reason and that the challenging moments help us grow the most. I have contemplated this a lot, and though I’m conscious of my growth, looking back, I can’t help but feel saddened, remembering the darkness and pain I went through. At the same time, I know that though this period caught me off guard and shook me, I realized that life is not only sunshine and roses but there are also pain and difficult moments we can overcome with faith, effort and the right means. I learned that the most important thing in our lives is taking care of our own health, especially what we eat and drink, how much sleep and rest we get, how we relax and recharge our batteries, and what thoughts we allow to govern our consciousness. I became aware of the fact that nowadays, many people are struggling daily to maintain their normal functioning and find light in their days filled with fear, sadness, and helplessness, desperately seeking help and support. The thought that I might be able to help some of them by sharing what I have learned motivated me to write this book. I know each person walks their own path, and sometimes all we need is a little support and guidance. So, I sincerely hope that this book will be one of the aids on your journey. However, keep in mind that life is constantly changing, and nothing in it is permanent. Even the most unbearable state rarely lasts forever. Every effort is worthwhile, and step by step, we can change things. With the right information, self-care and faith in success, you are also on the right path. Often, in difficult moments, I find motivation in the thought that we cannot expect something new and different if we keep doing things the old way. My grandmother used to say: “This, too, shall pass,” and whenever I remember her words, I feel stronger. When one seeks solutions and wants to cope with a situation, the Universe responds to their prayers and provides opportunities. That’s how it happened for me. An advertisement I accidentally saw, some recommended books and authors, and conversations on the topic were my first timid and uncertain steps toward taking my health into my own hands. At first, I felt fear and scepticism about the new information and tested it with suspicion. Well, the results were not always encouraging, but at some point, I started feeling the difference, and the people around me were noticing it, too. Seeing how little by little my condition was improving, I gained more confidence and faith that I was on the right path. Today, five years later, I once again fully embrace life and the opportunities it offers. Much of what I have learned is an integral part of my daily routine, and I resort to other means only in certain cases. I feel stronger, and I know that everyone’s mental and physical well-being is in their own hands and requires constant care. Life goes on with all its variety, the ups and downs being an essential part of it. That’s why it’s good to be able to rely on ourselves and some practices that can help us go through difficult periods more easily. Each page of this book contains personal experience and techniques that I have tested myself. I want to emphasize that I did not invent these practices; they are existing techniques that I have tried out and found really helpful. At the same time, I am fully aware that not everything that has worked for me will work for you since every person is unique. Dear reader, I do hope that while reading my book, you will discover a lot of things to borrow and incorporate into your life. The perspective on all means and techniques covered in the book and their application will help you regain control over your life and shake off your fears, sadness and anxiety. And when that happens, I’ll be thrilled, knowing that I have been of at least some help to you. So, let’s begin! Arm yourself with courage, patience, and curiosity, and then we can take the first step together!