Work Hard, but Sleep First: What My Body Taught Me Today by Jackleen Guo
Throughout my childhood, I was plagued by minute physical issues. Mild allergies to fruit, medication allergies, eczema, and small sprains or broken fingers. Then, in my senior year of high school, right when I needed my body the most, it gave out on me.
Hot flashes, shaking hands, uncontrollable temper, that’s what hyperthyroidism gave me. I had no idea what was happening since the change had been so gradual. But when I went to dance class after my summer off, I knew something was wrong. Steps that used to be so easy for me suddenly seemed impossible. No matter how hard I pushed, my legs couldn’t get off the ground. No matter how much I stretched, it was like my muscles were contracting in on themselves and
couldn’t ever relax, causing me to lose my flexibility.
After months of going to clinics and doctor’s appointments, it was still unclear to me what had happened. But one thing stood out, I needed to take care of my body now more than ever. The thing was, throughout high school, I had gone for years with minimal sleep to keep up my busy schedule of school, homework, and extracurriculars. I had been told by my parents multiple times to go to sleep early, sleep more, do less, but I couldn’t afford to do that, not when reaching my goal of going to a highly-ranked college was still unreached. In my junior year of high school, I did 10 clubs, 10 hours of dance, and 4 AP classes. All of which put me through immense physical strain and had me going to school everyday with headaches, “Work first, sleep after” was the motto I had lived by.
My body crashing at the beginning of my senior year was the wake up call I didn’t think I needed since I thought I was taking care of myself just fine. This event made me think more about my physical health and how my body felt everyday.
Today, I’m more in tune with changes in my body and more cautious about my sleep and diet. Now, instead of ignoring signs of exhaustion, I take the time to nap in the middle of the day before continuing my work into the night. Instead of having instant ramen as a dinner or skipping lunch, I make sure I have at least some granola or ask my mom if she can help me make something to eat.
By paying more attention to my physical health, I could see changes in my mental health. Before, I was constantly stressed and just going through the motions to push through classes. Once I began to let go of some anxieties I held, I actually enjoyed living. The negative self-talk I had experienced prior began to diminish and wilter. I felt better both physically and mentally. I realized how important taking care of your body is for all aspects of your life. My aspirations, once shrouded in a cloud of discomfort and panic, have begun to peek out as shining lights that push me towards looking forward to living longer and experiencing more of what life is.
I now take self-care steps like having cooking nights with my friends, watching my favorite movie when I feel down, and even just simply going to sleep early! I believe they have made a significant positive impact on me and I hope to continue this journey of self-growth.
What ways do you practice self-care?
By not overlooking physical discomfort I experience, I can better connect with my body and take care of it. We only get one body and I should take care of mine so that I can fulfill my dreams.
What kind of dreams do you hold?
To learn more about our monthly meetings with the Hey, I’m Here Squad and ways to ground yourself and listen to what your body is telling you today, head here:
Additional tools for when you may be in crisis:
U.S. Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Ohio Mobile Response and Stabilization Services: 1-888-418-MRSS (6777)