Are you really taking care of yourself?

It's of no secret to anyone that our society is consumed by looks. We hither towards the external as opposed to the internal for it is easier to understand; less complex so to speak. It's tangible. How many of you with chronic illness have appeared fine on the outside (whether physically, emotionally, or both) while you were actually suffering on the inside?

Chronic illness is such a tricky thing; along with juggling the physical aspects, one must not neglect the mental components. Life, so I have been told, is all about a healthy balance. Numerous studies have already suggested that stress shortens lifespan and can promote physical symptoms of sickness.

I can be infection free for months, and then as soon as September comes around, my body falls back into old patterns. This has literally happened every year since my freshman year of high school at the onset of the cellultis episodes. Keep in mind, these infections are spontaneous in nature and do not come at set times. So why do I seem to be so susceptible to getting them every September? September marks the beginning of a new school year, and the start of resuming back into the daily hustle that was impeded upon by summer.

Starting up an intense schedule puts an immense amount of strain on the body, and produces loads of stress. My doctor's have said that stress can play a role in these infections; something in which I do not doubt at all.

Stress lingers on the inside, but it is just as important as the bleeding wound on your knee. Don't ignore it, seek healthy ways to try and relieve it.