Just a life-long learner and outdoor adventure lover who's learning to prioritize her health above everything and do the things that bring her joy despite the health challenges that come with being a COVID long hauler. A new video drops every Sunday. Join me on the journey!
Hi! Thanks for checking it out. I'm hoping to get back to posting this year but with a shift in focus on doing the things I love like exploring the great outdoors and interviewing cool people. I just checked out your channel - how do you not have more views? Your Promaster build is amazing!
@@OutdoorsybyNature Yes! I'll make sure to keep an eye out. Thanks for stopping by. It'll pick up eventually. Still figuring out the algorithm/my audience I guess 🤷🏾♂
I saw you on James' @TheEthinicExplorer page. When you mentioned that it snowed yesterday I just knew it was CO and had to come say Hey girl...Heeeeey! Your story is very insightful. Thanks for sharing. Hope you're doing well.
Awww! Thank you for stopping by and saying hello! I appreciate you taking a few minutes to listen in on my story. I'm getting better each day and am still hoping to make my part-time nomad dream a reality. James inspires me so much! Keep well, @tifftaffy2359!
@@tifftaffy2359 I'll probably head out at for a few weeks in my current vehicle. The wilderness is calling and I must go! I'm trying to get back into hiking locally this year after a long hiatus. I have all this gear I need to put to good use. :) Are you in CO? If so, are you part of any outdoorsy groups?
@@tifftaffy2359 If you're interested in hiking and camping, there are a few groups on Facebook and Instagram that focus on women and POC. I generally hike and camp solo or with friends but have been contemplating joining up with some of them. They'd be a great way for you to dip your toes into both before going all in. FatBlackAndGettinIt on Insta is one of my favorites.
I totally understand that! Keep resting and doing what you need to do to continue along the path of healing. I hope you have a good care team around you who listens and seeks to understand what's going on with your body post-COVID. The ups and downs are real!
Oh Roxanne, you saw eagles!! I am envious! What an amazing place....I loved looking around.....it's like I am hungry for that outdoorsy walk in nature! This is the kind of walk that would be perfect for me right now. I am so happy that you feel good enough to be out and about, and pacing yourself, enjoying what a place like this has to offer. Such good stuff! I LMAO when you said "I don't entertain dudes I could have given birth to!" Hahaha! Love your sense of humor and your smile. Thank you for the video....you continue to inspire!
Nanci, I'm so glad you enjoyed the walk! I'd love to go back again and do the other perimeter. It really is a beautiful place and it was SO cool to see the eagles flying around. Also glad you enjoyed my comment about the young'uns. I constantly have to remind folks that I'm in my 40s so the guy they know who just turned 30 might not be a "same season" match. 😂 Fun times!
Going to be checking out the audiobooks in my library, now! Thanks, chica! My calming place is gardening. So happy to have flower beds and the grave gardening I do to take my minds off things.
Gardening is a great one, Erin! I have a feeling my mom has done it my whole life for this reason. Totally forgot that one! And, yes - the library has saved my sanity these last two years!
I'm sorry to hear that, Tiara! There are a lot of us out here who are still in the recovery phase, waiting for life to get back to "normal'. I hope you have a great care team guiding your journey! Continued healing to you and grace and peace for the journey ahead. 💚
Being outside in nature is my number one way to give myself a mental break. Walking, breathing fresh air, and allowing the mind to slow down is important in our "need to be productive" society. I had to chuckle when you mentioned taking a path you don't have to think about.....several times (especially when I go geocaching) on trails....and off trail, this way and that way....I suddenly find myself turned around or lost! Haha....not good! Another activity that might be relaxing is listening to certain types of music....whatever you find to be soothing. For me, nothing beats walking the beach, or the coastal trails around the beach! Thanks for your insights....I am sure others are finding them helpful. You are a blessing to others....I appreciate your videos.
Thank you so much for your comment, Nanci! I forgot to mention listening to soothing music but added a link to a favorite LoFi chill channel in the description. I find jazz soothing, as well, but haven't listened in awhile. Might need to remedy that! Hope you find time this week to walk on the beach or hit a coastal trail this week! 💚
Another fun and informative video! Thanks so much for doing these! I agree with all your suggestions (except I haven't tried massage therapy). I have tried a few different supplements and OTC drugs but none of them really seemed to do the trick. Thankfully, I am able to do a little bit of exercise and that seems to help the most with my being able to sleep. But, as everyone can imagine, it's so easy to overdo it and pay the price. So, pacing has been one of my biggest learnings through this experience. And I wholeheartedly agree with napping. Fortunately my job allows me the chance to usually take breaks when I need to and I have really needed them! Surprisingly, the naps never seem to interfere with my ability to get to sleep at night. Continued healing!
David, it's such a blessing to have a job that allows you to rest when needed! It never ceases to amaze me how those naps don't interfere with my ability to sleep at night. 🤔 The mysteries of how our bodies work - especially post-COVID. I'm glad to hear that you're able to get a little exercise in without triggering fatigue or any other symptoms. I don't take it for granted that I'm able to do so, as well. Doing so earlier in the day and honing in on my bedtime routine seems to work best for me. Lastly - massage therapy is AWESOME. It sometimes takes several tries to find a good therapist but when you do, it's worth it. I found mine through my ophthalmologist. Odd, I know, but he was originally supposed to help with COVID headaches.
@@OutdoorsybyNature Now I'm curious - did the ophthalmologist help with the headaches? Has anything helped with the headaches? Since my experience is they come and go and I never know when they'll pop up, I just let them run their course. I'm lucky they never last too long, but when they're happening they can be migraine level pains. So it was reassuring when my MRI came back normal. I've chalked it up as part of the post-Covid strange nerve pain (which also seems strongly connected to itchiness for me - ugh, that's been a bear to deal with).
@@davidhanselman9050 COVID headaches are the WORST! They're like tension and migraine headaches rolled into one. I'm glad your MRI came back normal. My neuro didn't think I needed one and just put me on another round of Prednisone, which actually made them worse. 🙄 When I told my ophthalmologist about my vision issues and the location/types of headaches I was having, she referred me to a massage therapist that specifically deals with headaches and neck pain for the tension side of things that has eased the migraines, as well. I only have them once a month or so now and I have a sneaky suspicion they're linked to hormones, gluten, and/or sugar consumption. Have you looked into vagus nerve stimulation at all? I've seen it referenced on a few channels I'm subbed to for help with headaches but haven't tried any of the techniques. I haven't had the itchiness but it sounds like it's no fun at all!
It works for me, too, Janaire! When I think of trying to wean myself off of it, it just doesn't make sense yet. I've also realized that talking to my sister late at night messes everything up. That woman does NOT sleep! 😂
Hi there! My number one tip for good sleep is a tidy, uncluttered, pretty room. I have a bed, nightstand, and chest of drawers - that’s it for furniture. I have a pretty rug and soft colored walls. It’s as simple and serene as I can make it and I love going to sleep there. I’m grateful that all our trees are still standing after three back-to-back nightmare storm scenarios! Thanks for another great video!
Erin, I need to take notes from you! I'm constantly decluttering my bedroom because having stuff everywhere makes me unsettled. Great tip and, thanks for watching!
HI Roxanne, thank you for addressing this important aspect of self-care: Rest and sleep! As someone who was addicted to the go, go, go, "be productive" routine for years, I had to teach myself to learn to relax, get enough sleep, and introduce that balance of work/play/self-care into my life. You mentioned some sleep hygiene activities....I agree with them all. Sometimes I will incorporate yoga breathing into my "winding down" routine, especially if I climb into bed and feel those wheels continuing to spin. For a while, I used pharmaceuticals to sleep, but I got myself off of them....now and then I use some herbal supplements. Chamomile tea helps. I am early to bed, early to rise....and I still like to "get going!" But now I make time for that crucial sleep hygiene routine at night....and I give myself permission to rest more too. Love your videos....and the little editing clips you insert! LOL! They help to get your points across! Take care! Happy Easter!
Thank you, Nanci, and happy Easter to you, too! I've been taking melatonin and am eager to get off of it but want to get into more of a rhythm before I do, so I understand the need for a little help every now and then. Giving ourselves permission to rest is so important. I'm so happy to hear that you've found balance. I'm working on that myself!
Your career services dept from your alma mater will probably be able to meet with you and advise on career paths not dependent on computers. I’m grateful for RU-vidrs like you sharing your tips for success. :)
Erin, I hadn't thought of reaching out to them, so thank you for that. It would be interesting to see what they had to say since so much of journalism revolves around computers and tech. 🤔 As always, thank you for your support! 💚
Thank you for sharing some of the ways you are helping your healing from long covid. I share your belief that diet is the first and foremost priority....we are what we eat. Interesting info about magnesium; I also take some daily, along with several other supplements. I completely agree about the gentle exercise and yoga and breath work. Finally, I can't say enough about not sitting all day! I wonder if you can do some of your work standing? Taking breaks when you have to sit for hours is so important....our bodies were meant to move, not sit. Too often we end up slouching and we aggravate already tight muscles. You are on a great track....keep at it, and keep us informed of your progress!
Thank you so much, Nanci! I'm really trying to listen to my body and NOT freak out about what it's telling me I need to do. It's so counter to our productivity culture. Still, I have to take care of it because it's the only one I have!
Thanks for sharing! A lot of my experience overlaps what you've experienced except my joint pain was episodic (and usually accompanied with muscle pain) and mostly hit my elbows and wrists. Thankfully it's been awhile since I've had those issues. Hopefully that part of recovery is past me. But, if typing is particularly painful, have you looked into the voice to text programs? Back when I was in graduate school a friend had a program and it was pretty amazing (Dragon or something). Tech being what it is, I'm sure it's come a long way since then! Continued healing!
David, I'm glad to hear that part of your recovery is behind you! I hope it's behind me, too. I haven't looked too much into voice to text tech lately but will definitely do so if the issue persists when I head back to work. I can't help but think it would've been so incredibly useful in grad school!!
Always wonderful. I can't believe how brave you are walking through GotGs by yourself at night with no lamp. I can't imagine! I am grateful for cauliflower crust, plant-based sausage, vegetarian pizza! Yum!
Brave or slightly reckless? 🤔 😂 The worst part is that I remembered after the fact that I always have a flashlight and bottles of water in my car. 😂 Hmmm .... did you go vegetarian? We need to catch up!
Thanks for sharing! Such a beautiful area! As much as I also like winter, I have to say I become very grateful to have the robins return. Continued healing and looking forward to your next videos!
Thanks for watching, David! My least favorite season is summer because I get overheated and dehydrated easily - especially at higher elevations. Love the sunshine and how green everything gets, though! Hope you're keeping well and continuing to move toward healing, too!
Yes, you gotta go back to Garden of the Gods at night again....with your water and headlamp....and maybe some company! I am excited for you regarding your van shopping, too! I just came back from a short solo van camping trip, and am happy with some of the changes I made to my van (stay tuned). I had a big dose of nature, and outdoor exercise during the past couple of days....I love it, as you do! Rest, recovery, healing...those are some of your mantras now....and yes, gratitude! Your health journey continues...and I am glad you are back home in beautiful Colorado! Love your sense of gratitude...As for me, I am grateful for the ability to enjoy nature, both physically and emotionally. Do what you CAN do, and keep your eyes on those ads for vans!
All the yeses to rest, recovery and healing! I'm focusing on that in the coming weeks as I try to recover lost ground due to stress and hoping that I can keep moving forward as I take care of myself. Also, yay! So cool that you were able to take your van out on a short solo trip. I'm planning to do that in my SUV in a few weeks! I look forward to seeing what you've done with your setup that worked for you!
I'm grateful for RU-vid (easiest way to see you these days!). I'm grateful for a late start to work this weekend (Laetare Sunday Mass before work!). I'm grateful for coffee!!
Fascinating theory! Once again, thanks so much for sharing your journey. 10 hours of sleep?! What a blessing that must've been! Continued healing, strength and peace!
Thank you, David! The sleep was wonderful but I'm still so very tired. Will keep working on self-care and continuing along that path toward healing. Continued healing, strength and peace to you, too!
I thank you for the insight into your channel name; now I understand! I had not heard of Third Place Theory, but after watching your video, I read several online articles about it. I relate to the idea of finding those places where we can build a community with others (away from home and work), be ourselves, and appreciate a fuller sense of life. For the past couple of years, I have experienced much of this in the great outdoors, especially when hiking and camping with others. Outdoor activities (mostly in nature) have become my way of finding a balance through this very challenging time. I hope to eventually transition back to some of the indoor "third places" I previously enjoyed soon, too. I wish the same for you. I hope your focus on rest and regaining your health continues...soon you will be including some outdoor exercise, and your sense of adventure will blossom!
Thank you, friend! I love that the outdoors has provided a way of finding balance for you during these recent challenges we've been living through. It's so important to prioritize time spent in the spaces and with people who fill us up right now! Looking forward to sharing my spaces with you as you share yours with me. 🙃
Thanks, Erin! It felt like the journey of a thousand steps. 😂 I'm still keeping a stop in your neck of the woods on my list of possibilities for the third places I spend time in this year!
So happy to see an update! Sorry to hear about the flare ups. The way strange symptoms can sort of appear and (with luck!) disappear reminds me of that whack-a-mole game. Good to hear you've got some time to focus on healing. Thank you for sharing your journey!
You're welcome and thank YOU for checking in, David! The whack-a-mole game analogy rings true for me. Looking forward to the day when this stuff is a distant memory and symptom management is an afterthought!
Good to see you, and good to know that you will take a break from work. FMLA is a real blessing; it will provide you the time to look further into your natural healing remedies. If you have the energy to do a simple easy van conversion for camping, that would also be great! I can relate to what you said about the world's problems, too....they are overwhelmingly sad and disturbing. You will have the rest of your life to contribute to others, so now is the time to take care of your self ... and Yes! Get out in nature...it is so healing! Keep us posted....take care.
Thank you! Your comment about having the rest of my life to contribute echoes what my pastors have said when I told them about feeling like I was letting people down. It's so important to steward our journeys and care for ourselves so that we can care for others. I don't have a van but I'll be camping out of my SUV until I can get that sorted without too much stress. Either way, I have to get outdoors!
@@OutdoorsybyNature An SUV is a great way to get that camping started. My sister does that when she travels, and actually did that last year here in CA. I am looking forward to seeing how you get started...even if it's a single overnight....or a nice hike outside. Take it slow and keep the stress to a minimum.
That looked like fun! Really glad you kept your distance from that hole in the ice. I *really* thought there would be a snow angel in this video. There was a pupper in the snow, so that counts. ❤️
Thank you, David! I did have a little post-exertional fatigue but gave my body adequate rest. Just trying to listen to my body. :) Hope your healing journey continues to go well, too!
Quick disclaimer! This is my personal experience but if you are going to consider it, I would start with one minute first and start adding more minutes as your body becomes adapted to it. I know that Colorado is a cold state which can make it a little harder. Just keep doing what makes you feel better!
@John Wright, I would definitely check with my med care team first. I've been hearing a lot about vagus nerve stimulation and would definitely start slow - maybe the ice baths that athletes use or some other freshwater options. I, too, like hot showers too much to just jump into it!
There's nothing like nature. That place looks amazing. Thanks for another great video and I hope you are getting better Roxanne. I know this is going to sound crazy but have you tried cold showers? That helps a lot for muscle aches, brain fog and nerve damage.
Thanks, as always, for watching, John! I haven't tried cold showers but I know a few people who've used coldwater therapy for other ailments.What would be the benefit for a long hauler? Have you tried it?
@@OutdoorsybyNature I've seen somewhere that cold showers can really help activate the vagus nerve. I've tried it a few times and seemed to feel a bit better, but I haven't been consistent about it - I like warm showers too much and can rarely muster up the courage to turn the warm water down...
I was questioning the appeal to the majority of this (as you know) and then got excited about the waterfall! Like I gasped and rewound 🤣. I need more deets on that. Also, its just great to see you in your happy place. The joy shows. ❤️
Awww! Thanks, friend! yeah, nature is definitely my happy place. The waterfall is just the dam on the other side of the lake. I'll have to see if my body will allow me to hike to some of the real waterfalls this year. They're a thing of beauty that I think even you might like to see. 😍
@@OutdoorsybyNature Bodies of water are my happy place…As long as its warm out. 😃Would love to see more if you’re up to it, but no pressure. You do you!
Ohhh...that looks beautiful and delightful! What a great walk! Some years ago, I snowshoed across a frozen snow-covered lake, with an experienced friend, and I loved it. I have missed cross country skiing ... this video reminds me to get to the snow this year! You are doing great...you must be healing slowly but surely. Don't push yourself past another breaking point....keep up the good work! Rooting for you!
Thank you for your support, Nanci! I won't lie - I thought about grabbing my snowshoes and heading back out there this week. My body let me know that wasn't an option 48 hours after this day trip. So, I've been resting and staying grateful for the time I did get to play. I would LOVE to take up cross country skiing! I've already warned one of my mentors who competed in the Olympics many years ago that I wanted her to teach me when my body is able to handle it. Keeping my fingers crossed for 2023!
@@OutdoorsybyNature You can start out slowly with CC skiing....easy groomed trails....I hope you get to snowshoe as soon as you are ready. Take care; you are wise to listen to your body.
This looks awesome, but i am not really for snow. I got to Texas and the kid was 29.. 😡 i should've lived in Arizona for a couple more weeks, but all good.
The snow is actually why I love living here! The secret is that it doesn't stick around for months on end as it does in other places. Plus, the sun makes it warmer than it should be. I also hate being hot, so there's that. ;) Hope Texas warms up a bit for you!
#1 I had no idea that long COVID is a thing that anyone was dealing with. My heart goes out to you and I'm so glad to see you're healing in your time. #2 Bless you and the friends you've lost due to COVID. I'll certainly be following your journey and can't wait to see you on the road.
Thank you - on both counts! It's been quite a journey that those in the medical/scientific community estimate that 20-30% of people who get COVID will deal with to some degree. Not awesome but I, for one, am grateful to still be here. We've lost so many, which just reinforces how short this life is. Looking forward to seeing you on the road sometime (hopefully sooner rather than later)!
