Tag: Health

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What I Have Learned From Taking The Cold Shower Challenge

Tom Bilyeu was on a podcast talking about one of his daily rituals – having a cold shower. He said it’s helped him reduce his anxiety, a mental illness he’s battled with all his life. Hearing that was like having a light-bulb moment, I thought great! I’m going to give it shot and see what it’ll do to me.

Feeling inspired, I set out this secret goal. I didn’t intend to tell anyone. If I failed or succeeded, no one will know anyway. What’s to lose?

When all is said, what’s next? It all comes down to action, right? When can I start? Hmmm… Maybe tomorrow!

Forget tomorrow! This nagging voice inside kept talking louder and louder like a nuisance: If not now, then when? It’s never. Try it once at least. If I didn’t like it, I can always stop. Deal? Deal! So I agreed. I said to myself: OK, I’m up for it.

Here I was in late March in the Southern Hemisphere. We still had reasonably warm weather (in low 20s Celsius) across Sydney Australia. Autumn in this city is pleasant day and night. But having a cold shower? A crazy idea! It can be too much for this time of the year, don’t you know? – I was in this funny situation, part of me wanting to do it, another part of me trying to talk me out of it.

That’s the thing about getting ready – you will never feel ready. Never ever.

The thought of standing in the shower, having icy cold water all over my body, began to creep into my mind. Do I really want to do it? What am I trying to prove and who am I trying to prove to?

Day One. No grand opening!

It was just like another other day. How do I put it? Undressed, unplanned, unprepared! It’s not an exotic tale. There I was in the middle of the shower space, that one second decision was all it took. I turned on the cold water tap to the full strength. The next thing I knew was the cold water coming down on my body, I stood there, counted from 1 to 10, felt the chill and the excitement, wasn’t thinking anything else. Then I turned it off, towel tried myself. Got the job doe. That was it!

The next day and after, I repeated. As days and weeks went by, I gradually increased my cold shower time from 10 seconds to 1 minute and to full 4 minutes straight! It was insane.

The hardest part? Only the first 3 seconds. There were some swearing words coming out!

To echo the same sentiment felt by Tom Bilyeu’s: It doesn’t get easier every time.

The biggest surprise? I was amazed at just how quickly my body adapted to the changing temperature.

How long will this challenge go on for? As long as it takes. Until I can’t take it anymore.

Approximately 6  weeks later after practicing a consistent day to day cold shower ritual, I got a cold… No matter how much I wanted to continue, my body was telling me, it’s got to stop. So I did.

I realised for my emotional being, I can be as strong and tough as I want to be, but for my physical being, I’m a fragile and vulnerable human being. I should be allowed to be this way, period, no buts. None of us is made of steel. We’re subject to harms and hazards in the environment and everything in there including people (this can be a whole new blog post!). It’s my job to protect my body and give it the best care.

In summary, taking this cold shower challenge was a necessary step for me. It was the homework I had to do before I could proceed to the next level. I just wanted to prove to myself that I can do it, too. It’s no fun putting yourself through an uncomfortable situation but the point is once you come out of it (fears, pains, nerves or whatever) OK, you’ve won the game and gained the new freedom – something no amount of antidepressants or chill pills can give to you.

If I have to reference it to anxiety, then the best way to describe it is the moment right before I turned on the cold water tap, I was always 2 steps away from the shower head, feeling a string of nerves going through my veins. But once the cold water started running, I went tossing away the hesitation, taking 2 steps forward, the nerves disappeared instantly. Then I thought: Is that it? That wasn’t too bad! Half of the time I felt like I was just torturing myself but I must admit it also felt great at the same time. It was weird to have these mixed feelings about it but the truth is I did look forward to my next cold shower experience again and again.

Now my cold is gone, the winter season is here to stay for another 2 months or so. I feel very grateful to have hot water at home whenever I need it. But wait! It’s not over yet. I shall resume my cold shower habit when days get a lot warmer in summer time. By then, I won’t call it a challenge, I’ll call it an enjoyment…

Take care!

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One War That’s Always Worth Fighting For

As I write this, I ask myself: How many wars are going on in the world at this moment, right now? Look what’s been dominating the news headlines everywhere – a trade war between US and China is heating up. We see both sides blowing hot and cold about their moves while trying to resolve their differences diplomatically. As to what’s going to happen next is anyone’s guess. Things may well unfold further and further but no one can say decisively who’s going to win and who’s going to lose. Meanwhile, there’re civil wars, cold wars and wars with no name happening in other parts of the globe that we probably don’t know about. Big or small, the number is countless. It’s sad but true. So, what are people fighting for or against and in the name of what? Justice? Freedom? Power? Fairness? Ideology? Religion? Retaliation? All wars bear some heavy consequences and incur human causalities whether it’s physical, mental or financial. There’s a price to pay. Even if one side comes out of it winning the war but may still end up losing the battle. No wonder they say you need to pick your battles wisely.

What do I know about war? Back in the day when I was doing International Relation as part of my Political Science major at The University of New South Wales (UNSW), I learned that war is not evitable and often the last resort to resolving conflict between countries or military groups etc. That’s what you do when all other means have been exhausted and failed to produce desired outcomes. Well, then it raises an important question: What makes going to war worth a while? Sadly, we don’t get an answer till war is over. It’s such a complicated issue that sometimes we’d better let history be the judge.

Looking at something closer to home. February, the last month of summer here in Sydney Australia. After weeks of soaring heat and high humidity, I’m really looking forward to colder months ahead. But what’s coming along isn’t so welcoming – a flu season. The flu virus comes in 3 different types A, B and C. Depending on the regions, flu can strike either in winter months or all year round. The trickiest part of the flu virus is it’s always changing. The flu vaccine available out there is by far our best defense but every year we’re only playing catch-up. Why? Next year, there’ll be a new strain coming out hence a new type of vaccine needs to be developed to tackle it. Have heard enough of the flu virus? What about the word we all dread to hear – Cancer. How many people and their families and friends have been affected by it? Stomach cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer etc. Aren’t they scary?! Fortunately, cancer is no longer a death sentence as long as it’s detected at an early stage and treated accordingly. That’s just a common sense. Overall, these bad guys – the flu virus, deadly bacteria and cancerous cells don’t really discriminate against your race, your religion, your identity or your status. All they care about is to find a crack in your immune system, sneak in, launch an attack on your cells and watch you falling apart.

So, the title here is: One war that’s always worth fighting for? What is it then? By now, you would’ve got a good idea. That’s right! What I’m advocating here is forget our ideological differences, drop the stupid prejudice, spend more time and energy on what matters and what will make a difference to humanity – fighting against our real common enemies – all types of flu, all types of cancer, and all the diseases that have plagued our communities, families and friends…

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Feel The Pain, Heal The Pain

Pain, no one likes it, we all try to avoid it. It’s only natural. We’re all humans. But is pain that bad? Does pain hurt us so much that it deserves no place in our lives? When we feel the pain, what is it trying to tell us? Is there anything else other than the discomfort that it inflicts on us?

Last week I finally surrendered to my thumping headache. After 2 days of enduring pain, I decided enough is enough. So, I dragged myself to the local supermarket and buy a mini pack of Panadol (paracetamol). It was the first time in many years (possibly more than 15 years) that I went to buy an over the counter (OTC) medicine to treat a pain related symptom. Judging by my poor track record, I don’t think any pharmaceutical companies would like me as a consumer. Why wouldn’t they? I’m just not one of those guys who would reach for a painkiller as soon as I experience some physical pain. It may sound strange or weird but I’d like to test out my tolerance level for pain and give my body a chance to fight and respond before I resort to the medicine option. Of course, provided the pain is not serious, urgent or life-threatening. Luckily, I haven’t been in a situation where I needed to seek an immediate medical attention. Just for the record, I’m not against medicine but I’m a firm believer that my body needs time to settle the pain, understand why it’s hurting, then go into a right channel of healing.

In my recent case, taking medication was certainly a wise decision to make. I started to function like my normal self very quickly. Going through a work day not affected by my headache was a bless. Thanks to the magical power of paracetamol. However, deep down I knew it’d only be temporary. 6 to 8 hours passed, the effect began to wane, the pain came back in no time. It was as clear as it started. A pain medicine is never intended for long term use anyway. If we read the label carefully, it says: provide fast, effective temporary relief of pain. So, after having popped a total of 6 pills into my system in a matter of 2 days, I thought it was time to confront my pain head on, literally. It wasn’t hard to see why my headache was only a symptom. The real cause lied in my weakening immune system due to a lack of sleep. All it took was one wild chilly wind blow, then bingo! I caught a nasty cold.

To treat the cause rather than the symptom, I consciously made time throughout the day to allow myself to rest and slow things down a bit. It was amazing how fast my body recovered from it. I woke up feeling rejuvenated. The headache was gone by itself without drugs. Right there and then, I knew I’d treated my body right.

None of us is a machine. We do need to recharge our batteries every once a while. Walking away from the rat race for a few hours or even for a day for a health-benefit reason won’t set us back both in the short and long runs. If it does, we’ll have to question if it’s all worth it. When we put a highest priority on health, we’re in front in a game. Other less important things can wait. When our bodies start to send a signal to our brains that something is up in the form of pain, it’s a red flag. My experience has taught me that an effective coping mechanism for pain is fundamentally about giving what the body needs, not wants – it may be painstaking but is worth taking…

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From Head Space To Outer Space

Feeling stuck in a rut? They say it’s all in your head. It sounds too familiar, doesn’t it? I don’t disagree with it. If we accept this statement is true, what does it leave us? What’s next? What do you do if a thought no longer serves you? If we can’t end the struggle for once and all, can we at least interrupt the thought pattern? Let’s dive in…

I admit sometimes I have the tendency to think the problems I’m dealing with are bigger than anyone else’s in the world. Of course, usually they are not but it just feels like that at times. It’s particularly true when I’m not in the right head space. What about you? I’m sure I’m not alone in this. Knowing thoughts can be distorted, exaggerated or dramatized, is there any technique we can adopt to help us break through what seems to be “just imaginable”? When a set of irrational beliefs spirals out of control, the challenge seems to become bigger. How do we find a way to keep things in perspective so that we don’t get sucked into a deep black hole. What’s the trick? Check this one out…

So near yet so far away. Only last week was my first time visiting Sydney Observatory, a delightful small gem hidden away from the Sydney CBD. What took me so long? Good question! I don’t think I can be excused for not doing it sooner considering I’ve been living in this city for more than 28 years. Anyway, even astronomy isn’t really your thing, it’s still worth paying a visit to this historical building (admission is free) or just exploring the surrounds. The hill behind the building offers some amazing views as you can see in this picture.

Shortly after I took some photos from there, I went back in the observatory. Immediately I was greeted by what appeared to be the only staff working that day. She was so friendly and bubbly that without a doubt gave the place a good feel to it. Following a brief induction, I walked into the first exhibition room on the right-hand side. A giant full-length poster inside a display window instantly grabbed my attention. It captured countless small stars in the universe through lenses of a telescope. Many of them just looked like white tiny dots to me. Standing in front of it for I can’t remember how long, suddenly, my outlook on so-called problems just shifted. Right there and then those huge problems or shitty stuff in life started to lose their strong hold over me.

From head space to outer space, it looks million miles away but my recent visit to Sydney Observatory has helped bridge the gap and allowed me to see things the “sizes” they are – No distortion, no exaggeration, no dramatization. It was an unexpected find in my own little universe…

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Dancing Like Someone Is Recording

After having written a post on a heavy subject last time, I thought I’d try something a little lighter this time. For me, life can be a bit fun and games sometimes and needn’t be taken too seriously in all cases. I just think life experience comes from all different corners, even a leisure moment has its place and we can benefit from it just as much.

On this post, the topic I’ll touch on is dancing. What’s prompted me to write this is that I recently got my hands on a video showing my hip hop dance moves, which was recorded on a conference night back in March 2017. For my own amusement and entertainment, I thought I’d share it on my Facebook and see what’d happen. To my surprise, it went viral. They say dance like no one is watching, I say dance also like someone is recording. To me, it’s about putting your best foot forward like there’s a hidden camera somewhere focusing on your every move. You never know when your most memorable moment will be captured by someone.

I love dancing and have been told good at it. As much as I’d like to do it more often, life has been super busy. Gone are the days when I used to spend the bulk of my time in front of a mirror trying to look sharp, in preparation for a night of hot dance at a night club in town. Sure, no big deal time has changed. I’m no longer that kid catching the spotlight on a dance floor. My priorities shifted years ago. Like some parents, I have a full-time commitment to work, home, hobbies and my fury kid, Realistically, I cannot just drop everything, hop on a car and drive to the city on Saturday nights. However, a change in lifestyle doesn’t mean a complete sacrifice for the fun things I love doing. There’s always a way around it. I still dance these days even though I don’t have the luxury to go out nightclubbing like before. I do it in the comfort of my own home instead. Every now and then, when I’m in the mood – whether I’m sad or happy or going through some mixed emotion, I’ll play my favourite types of music in my unit, sing along or dance along – the way I like it. The best thing about this is I can do in my PJ and no one would care. Be it as short as 5 minutes or as long as one hour, dancing always has a way to invigorate me no other forms of activities can. And just for the record, the most tangible effect it has on me is its healing power to uplift my moods. I highly recommend it!

5 6 7 8 Let’s dance!

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Have The Guts To Know The Gut

What comes to your mind when you hear the word colonoscopy or gastroscopy? Are you familiar with the procedure? For me, it’s important to have an honest discussion about it because I believe in prevention is always better than cure. So, the reason for this post is to bring awareness to what sometimes can be over-looked – our gut health.

Let me be open and straight about it. I had the first colonoscopy and gastroscopy done back in 2013. It went well. As expected, the report showed no sign of abnormality. I was relived. It wasn’t over though. The gastroenterologist told me to come back in 5 years to have another procedure. As it drew closer and closer to the 5 years mark this year, I became more and more nervous and anxious. My brother on the other hand, facing the same scenario, was rational, laid-back and cool about it. He perceived it as a way of detoxing for the body and a necessary process to fully understanding the gut health.

I decided to conquer my fear by facing it. Only last month my brother and I were again sitting in the gastroenterologist’s office for our appointment. I knew why I was there for but chose not to say too much. My brother by my side did the most talking. A top specialist in his field, the same gastroenterologist that I saw 5 years ago, met and greeted us, then started it off by asking us a range of standard questions. It sounded like all in a day’s work to me. Finally, he popped the question I had dreaded: When would you like to have the procedure done? Right there, without thinking too deep, I took the boldest step in a long while and said it in a firm tone of voice: As soon as possible. He flipped through pages of his calendar that already looked very full and put me down in an instant and said he can do it in two weeks. Yes, book me in – I answered in a rapid-fire manner. Within minutes, forms were done, we left his office. My brother was surprised by my snap decision to want it so quickly and to be treated as a private patient at a private hospital instead of a public one.

Once the date was set, the reality began to sink in. I wasn’t scared of the procedure itself but more so the fasting and bowel cleansing process. The second time didn’t mean it was easier. I was willing to going through this short-term pain because I understood the long-term benefits of doing it. The rest was all a matter of just grin and bear it and stop complaining about it.

On the day I was admitted to the hospital, I was incredibly calm and settled thanks to my brother for keeping my company and being my driver of the day. I was so well taken care of by the nurses and doctors that it didn’t feel like I was having a procedure at a hospital but more like a pampering treatment at a day spa. Once I was wheeled into the operating theater, it was getting so real. My eyes were focusing on the operating theatre lights above while one thought running through my mind: I’m going to put my faith in these health professionals. The general anaesthetic quickly took effect and then it was a case of my life was in their hands.

The next thing I knew was a male nurse waking me up and I remember my first question to him was: Is it all done? Yes, all done – he said. Wow, that was quick. They continued to monitor my body for a little while before sending me to the recovery room where I was waiting to hear the results from the gastroenterologist. Shortly after I was given a bit light refreshment, the gastroenterologist came back to explain the report to me: It went well. I found two polyps and removed them. I was a bit taken aback at the news but was grateful for what he’d done. Later on, my brother returned to pick me up. We had a brotherly heartfelt talk while he was taking me home. I thought that was nice.

So, what can I say? I’m glad I did it. I might’ve acted like a drama queen in all these but hey I’m older and wiser enough not to justify my behaviors to anyone. This experience has taught me so many lessons that I can’t simply articulate them all in one go or put them into words. That night, I had a bath at home trying to relax a bit after a long day. It may sound strange, but I literally gave myself a pat on the back and said “Well done Ted”…

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Look After Number One

How do you keep a work-life balance? What about when you are unwell? Which side will you be leaning towards?

Winter is just around the corner in the southern hemisphere. With colder months ahead, there’s no better time than now to do something to get the immune system up and keep the cold and flu at bay. After catching a bad cold in October 2017 that lasted for a month – the longest I could remember, I decided to get a flu shot this year to protect myself against 4 major types of flu viruses. It may sound like a simple, logical move to some but to me – not a fan for needles and this type of immunisation, I needed to do my homework before I could convince myself and get past that mental block.

The flu fact sheet at hand was my first point of reference. It had some invaluable information and a useful Q and A section. After reading it, I no longer had any doubts. The next thing I knew, I was rolling up my sleeve and ready for the flu vaccination. A few seconds later, the nurse smiled and said: done. It was that quick and that easy. A small step but it set the tone for the next thing to come – number one.

Looking around, recently my manager has taken some time off from work to look after his dad who’s been in and out of hospital since suffering an unforeseen heart problem. When possible, he’d still come in to work for half of a day or so then leave in the afternoon to see his dad during the visitor time. While he’s tried to keep the disruption to a minimal, he’s clearly demonstrated the importance of looking out for number one and getting the priorities right, guilt free. When he was away, it was business as usual. The team still pulled together to get the job done, seemingly unaffected by his absence.

The notion of number one was a bit challenge for me. All because I was someone who used to believing that taking sick leave was for the weak, a sign of weakness. No longer! No one is made of steel, people do get sick and our bodies need time and space to recover from illness and avoid passing it on to others if contagious.

So, number one has been said, next, what is number two? – A notice I sent to my manger to tell him that I’m due for a couple of medical appointments in the following two weeks… Take care!

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Learn Things The Hard Way

I’ve recently resumed my lunch time activity – walk. Barangaroo Reserve is my new favourite place to go out and about and stretch my legs around Sydney CBD. It has everything I wanted – quiet, convenient and clean. One mid afternoon last week, I decided to explore the area again, on foot at my own leisure pace of course. I don’t run. It was after 2 PM, that time of the day most workers in the city would’ve finished their lunch and gone back to their offices already. With that in mind, I was looking forward to being outside in a less crowded space on this autumn sunny day.

On my way, I saw a woman on a pavement, standing right next to a street rubbish bin, with a cigarette on one hand, looking rather stressed out. The effects of nicotine didn’t seem enough to take away a deep frown, a serious look on her face. She was just a normal person smoking legally in an open public space during her break. There was nothing out of ordinary about it. Well, it didn’t strike me at first glance but it did only a few seconds later when I noticed the size of her tummy. I thought: Are you for real? You are pregnant and you are smoking! Why?! Being disturbed by what I’d just seen, I felt compelled to walk up to her and tell her to stop. But then I thought: Who am I to judge her? What if she’s a bit overweight, not really pregnant? I have no connection to this person anyway. So, I resisted it, walked away and continued on my own business.

More than an hour later, walking on my way back, I happened to see the same woman again on the same spot doing exactly the same thing – smoking her second cigarette in a matter of one hour. This time round I had an even stronger urge to tell her to “do the right thing” but I decided to stay silent and leave her alone.

When I took a moment to reflect on this, I wondered if there was something I could’ve done better or more. I concluded: No. The beauty of being an adult is we make our own decisions and choices but inevitably we also take our own responsibility. As much as we’d like to help others, and save them from going astray, it’s sad but true and like it or not, some people have to learn things the hard way…