I chose CT Lifestyle Medicine as my primary care practice because I was already eating a mostly plant-based diet and strongly believed in the tenets of lifestyle medicine. I had my first in-person annual appointment in 2023. I was eager to successfully adhere to all six pillars of lifestyle medicine and turn my beliefs into consistent practice. In theory, this is a beautiful idea. In practice, though, I found that I needed knowledge, time and dedication to actually do it.
Although it was a whole foods plant-based diet that attracted me to Lifestyle Medicine, putting the other pillars into consistent practice has really turned my life around
At my first appointment (and every appointment since), Catherine and Dr. Patel took time with me and truly listened. They helped me identify the areas I was already doing well in and gave many suggestions on how to overcome my challenges.
Most of my struggles hinged on managing stress.
I am a mom of elementary-aged kids. I was working a full-time job that was extremely overwhelming and stressful. I had little time to myself and was always on the go. I was in survival mode and not coping well. I turned to processed snacks and alcohol to numb the overwhelm I felt.
Immediately after my first appointment, at their suggestion, I started using Insight Timer for meditation and began morning walks. As a full-time working mom, I didn’t have hours to stroll and meditate peacefully in a sanctuary. However, I started waking up 10 minutes earlier, putting on my sneakers and walking around the block for 10 minutes while I listened to a meditation. It was only 10 minutes, but I did this walking meditation every morning consistently.
Eventually, 10 minutes turned into 12 minutes. Then, 20 minutes. I started jogging a little, too. Now, I see my morning walk/jog combo as an essential part of taking care of my body. I brush my teeth, I exercise. It’s not 5K training or a gym workout, but it’s consistent and I get my heart rate up. It’s manageable.
This past year, I’ve also consistently listened to Insight Timer meditations driving to and from work.
Getting out of the house in the morning with two young kids is stressful, even on a good day. Driving to work, when I get in my car, I am often in rush mode: heart racing and head spinning, thinking of what just happened and bracing for all the stress that is to come in my work day. I put on a Ground, Cleanse and Protect Meditation and 12 minutes later I am physiologically changed. My body and mind are calm and I feel more confident about handling whatever comes my way.
After work, when I get in my car to go pick up the kids, I often feel burdened, frazzled and drained from the stress of the day. I listen to an Empath Meditation to release what I am carrying. Afterwards, I feel refreshed, calm and ready to switch gears into mom mode.
Consequently, I stopped turning to alcohol to relieve stress.
The consistent exercise and meditation does that for me now. I will still have a drink if I go out with friends occasionally, but I no longer drink at home alone to “take the edge off”. The cravings also went away. It feels very freeing.
Lastly, I made a promise to myself to find a new job. A large source of the stress I was experiencing was from my job. I knew there was something else out there for me. I did everything I could and I found and secured a new job. One that I know is more manageable and sustainable. It will allow me to have more energy for my family and it puts me in a position to create healthy relationships with co-workers.
The changes I made to manage stress this past year have had a significant impact on my health.
Although I’ve maintained my weight, I am healthy and strong. I feel well-positioned to continue with and build upon my exercise and meditation routines while turning my attention to creating healthy and delicious meals. I am curious where another year will take me in my lifestyle medicine journey.