Taking Breaks and Brain Health

“Privilege is being born on third-base. Ignorant privilege is thinking you were there because you had a triple. Malicious privilege is complaining of those starving outside the ballpark aren’t waiting patiently enough.”

-Glennon Doyle (I think)

Wednesday was a big day of milestones, in my little world.

1. I went to campus for a two hour training session. Spoke to lots of colleagues and friends.

2. I went with my supervisor to a donor meeting and didn't get overwhelmed or anxious.

3. Brad and I went to the local high school parking lot and I got back behind the wheel! I have a neurologist appointment on Monday and plan to talk to him about when I can safely drive again.

Supportive workplace

I have been so lucky this year to realize what a wonderful decision Brad and I made to choose Charlotte and be lucky enough to have been hired by UNC Charlotte. We have been so supported through this difficult year. I truly believe that part of my attitude and outlook on this whole thing is the lack of additional stress from my employer. I am so grateful for their support and love. If you are changing jobs or starting your career, don't just look at benefits and the work itself - make sure you seek out true leadership, which includes supervision and a team which is kind and people who truly care about you.

Protect your energy and Brain Health

Even after all that we have learned this year about remote work and the productivity of human beings who are not working themselves to death. As we start to go back to "business as usual" It seems that the work day will not be changing much. While my brain breaks are currently necessary for my still healing brain.

https://thewellbeingthesis.org.uk/foundations-for-success/importance-of-taking-breaks-and-having-other-interests/

I think we should at least normalize and encourage midday breaks or meditation and 10-15 mins in between appointments to take notes and decompress. We know that stress raises cortisol levels which cause inflammation in the body, contributing to most chronic disease and illness.

No news is good news - Health update

Next chemo week - august 23-27

Next MRI - August 19th

My chemo treatment a few weeks ago went well, I was just was up sick on Monday night and slept well the rest of the week. That seems like the norm now. My first night is a shock to the system and no matter how many anti-nausea pills I take, I puke my guts out in the middle of the night on Monday, and then I settle in for a week of fatigue but no more puking. I'll count myself lucky on that one. Many get much sicker with chemo - very grateful to have the oral version.

Currently Reading:

I cannot recommend enough that you read this book. It covers a host of subjects but the most impactful points seem to be to live wholeheartedly, look to yourself for answers and guidance, trust your instincts, current events (thus the quote at the beginning of this post, do the best you can with the information that you have, and, as her podcast is titled, "we can do hard things."

Breaking Through Walls

Though I still have a bit of anxiety on the Peloton, I keep getting on it. I recently took The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) ride - the instructor, Christine, said something that really resonated with me. "We all have walls placed in our path that we didn’t ask for. Are we going to write graffiti all over the wall with excuses of why we can’t get through it or will we get through it by any means necessary?"

Delta Variant and Don't Be a Fool

How many people must we hear from on their deathbeds telling us that they wished they had been vaccinated for people to take this seriously and do something to help their fellow woman/man? In the meantime, mask up, wash your hands and stay home until we all start believing in science and actually caring about each other. Those of us who are immunocompromized will sadly still be at home.