Question:  What’s the connection between the basic principles of Feng Shui and the 19^th Century classic “Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management”?

The answer is that they both endorse living in harmony with our environment so that the energy surrounding us works for us rather than against us, to improve health, wealth and happiness.

In her classic epic guide to all aspects of running a household in Victorian Britain’s homes, Isabella Beeton (one of 21 children!) not only painstakingly documented a huge number of popular recipes of the time (“first, catch your hare”), she also wrote “I have always thought that there is no more fruitful source of family discontent than a housewife’s badly-cooked dinners and untidy ways”.

150 years later and much of the advice in “Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management” is out of date – typically those relating to health remedies (thankfully these days there’s not a lot of call in the UK for unction’s or potions to combat “Cholera and Autumnal complaints”).

However, many of the recipes and advice have stood the test of time and are just as relevant today: “Cleanliness, punctuality, order, and method, are essentials in the character of a good housekeeper. Without the first, no household can be said to be well managed”.

Let me give you a 21^st century example of her wisdom:  in a recent article, life coach, mentor, motivational speaker and author Louise Presley-Turner suggested that “the way to reduce your stress levels is easy - by decluttering and simplifying your life!”   

Her top recommendations for success were:

• Sort your finances out
• A clear house equals a clear mind
• Clean out the cupboards
• Sort out those niggling outstanding jobs
• Spend more time doing the things you love
• Turn off the tv”

Noble suggestions indeed; but are they true?  And can sorting out niggling outstanding jobs and untidy ways really improve your health and happiness?

The answer is definitely “yes”.  Rainbow Red has had several clients who were in significant danger from falling over cables, newspapers, books, clothing or craft items until they were rescued from the perils of clutter; we’ve had others who shook so badly when we first met them that we thought they had Parkinson’s – only to see them become significantly less wobbly as they became less anxious about their home being cluttered, and their lives became more organised.

We’ve had clients who have benefited from being able to get into bed and change their bedclothes more easily once the volume of clothes on the bedroom floor had been removed, and others who were able to finally sit at their dining room table to eat for the first time in years.   In many cases, clients have expressed huge relief simply knowing that there was a friendly face available locally to give practical help, and motivational advice and support, and others who have commented that their house was a more pleasant place to live in after only one short session.

We’ve improved cleanliness and hygiene by arranging for professionals to clean decluttered homes; we’ve re-organised kitchen cupboards and fridges (how often do you check and chuck out what’s out of date – or mouldy – at the back of your cupboard, fridge, or even make-up bag?), and brought in reliable tradesmen to decorate decluttered rooms, install television aerials, and install or repair windows; we’ve even had electricians install lights in under-stairs cupboards, as well as bathroom extractor fans – to combat mould caused by windows not being opened as a result from poor access due to clutter.

Rainbow Red is determined to recycle as many of our clients’ unwanted items as possible;  for example, yoghurt pots go to www.stickyfingersart.co.uk kids arts and crafts workshops in Claygate; textiles go to www.1stweybridgescouts.org.uk for their HQ appeal; unwanted toiletries goes towww.womensaid.org.uk.  And if you happen to know of anyone who has a use for newspapers and magazines, we’d love to hear from you!

Rainbow Red is a proud Member of The Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers UK (apdo-uk), which was founded in London in 2004 with only four Members.  Today there are over 100 Members across the UK, all of whom are dedicated to reducing organisational stress in people’s lives, by providing discrete and confidential practical help and relief for the overworked and stressed, and organising homes to be safer, calmer, smoother running, and organised environments in which to live healthier and happier lives.

apdo-uk works with leading UK charities, not for profit organisations and corporate partners to provide advice and practical support to people affected by clutter or organisation issues; together they promote recycling, safety and wellbeing, and raise awareness of the practical, social, medical and psychological issues associated with the short and long-term effects of clutter, making it easier to find professional help – whether it be from apdo-uk Members or through recommended products or services.

So, if you would like to know more about Rainbow Red’s professional decluttering, personal organising and project management services (resulting from over 30 years organisational experience as PA to Boards of Directors, in Marketing roles and as a Project Manager), and how we can help you enjoy a more organised and functional lifestyle, please visit www.rainbowred.co.uk, or call Cherry Rudge on 07931 303310.

For details about apdo-uk or find a professional declutterer or organiser nationwide, please visit apdo-uk’s website – www.apdo-uk.co.uk or contact Cherry Rudge for more information.

And for the Mrs Beeton’s amongst us, all 1,112 pages of her book are available to view online for free, at www.mrsbeeton.com.

Having lived my life with an open mind I recently decided to have my home surveyed by Feng Shui consultant Alison Fuller. Many of my friends put little faith in this ancient almost forgotten practice. In the past decade it seemed to have gained more favour with the general public and then disappear again. I was intrigued to learn more about the true nature and fundamentals of this black art as Alison’s wealth and depth of knowledge soon became apparent. As she explained how Feng Shui works in actual terms, i.e. you don’t just put a wooden elephant in the corner of your bedroom, but the application of Feng Shui and its effects on energy flow and how this energy can bring about considerable changes in your life, I felt a renewed energy within myself. Almost as if the work being done on the house was also having an effect on me. Feelings I had been harbouring for some time took on a sense of urgency and in the weeks that followed a remodelling of my home was soon a reality.

As I watched her work (with some scepticism at first) I asked questions of what she was doing and why. Each question was met with a plausible answer infused with a sincerity that even though some of the procedures required a leap of faith to understand, I found myself in no doubt that what was happening was very real. Having struggled with a business for the past three years with no apparent reason as to the company’s poor growth I was interested to see if anything Alison had to say might offer some improvement. After she checked the property for negative energy lines she found three. One right through the centre of the house, one through the dining room and the other through the office. She then drew up a plan of the house and divided it into areas, Relationship, Fame and Recognition, Creativity etc. My business was in my Relationship Area, I had noting that would promote creativity or romance in the areas where this energy flows or in my case didn’t flow. This I have come to understand is the true purpose of Feng Shui. An ancient method of increasing the flow of energy in your life to bring about harmony and change. Improving the flow of energy in these physical areas by placing certain objects in those areas you can help realign and increase the energy fields in which you live.

Within days I had rearranged furniture and moved the office and supplemented the energy in the house by simply moving items I already owned to different positions. And the question everybody asks me, did it make a difference? In the past 6 months the business has experienced a 400% increase in revenue, doors have been opening and opportunities presenting themselves. Can a simple Feng Shui of the house really have made that much difference, is all this Feng Shui stuff just a coincidence? Do I care? No! Whether it has improved the energy flow in my house, or in my life or has had some other profound affect on me as an individual is pretty irrelevant. I don’t know how electricity works either but I know how to turn on the light switch, so why do I care about electrons and protons and whatsits!!! Toward the end of the consultation as the last of the negative energy lines was being healed an interesting thing happened. The healing point was in the hallway in front of the electrical cupboard. When the time was up the breaker in the cupboard tripped and I had no power in the house at all. I checked all the appliances to make sure none of them were faulty. I unplugged everything in the house, and after 24 hours with out power and some very kind neighbours who stored all my frozen food in their freezer, I managed to get an electrician to come to the house and inspect the board. After about an hour of him scratching his head he said “I don’t know, it beats me mate”. His solution was to re route the wiring and he got the power back on eventually. Alison didn’t charge me extra for the magic show. I’m sure it was just a coincidence………. Ummmmm!

What I know for certain is that Alison Fuller helps you to take charge of your living space, resulting in a harmonious flow of energy and feeling of calm around you. Professional and thorough, Alison explains every step, making it easy to understand and put into practice.

Alison did a consultation for me when I lived in a cramped apartment. When I had implemented the suggestions she made I found there was a difference in me as well, more settled in the space and personally more confident and empowered, and my home was cosy and welcoming.

I called her in again when I moved into a bigger place. This did not need too much work, adding plants (which I love anyway), bringing in things representing creativity in the creativity area, moving pictures to bring in the appropriate colours in specific areas, and other suggestions.

Using compass directions, Alison works out the bagua or plan of the house, where different areas of life fall into different sections. Increasing certain colours adds to the strength of the energy in the area as does placement of pictures or objects that symbolise to you, the client, each area, such as relationships, creativity, abundance, etc.

Alison also suggests that ‘setting the intention’ when making the changes helps enhances the specific life areas, improving the flow of energy. It is a tangible energy, one that can be felt upon entering a property. It works for me!

“Two months after the opening my new high-tech studio all of my lovely new equipment and electrics started to malfunction and breakdown. I was also surprised to experience staffing problems throughout my entire team of established therapists.

After ruling out coincidence I contacted Alison as I knew she specialised in Feng Shui to see if she could help..? At this point I was at my wits end as my studio was falling apart and wasn’t sure what else I could do..?!

Alison tested for and corrected a series of large geopathic stress lines which were running across some key areas throughout my premises. Alison also advised me on how to maximise my space to increase sales and relationships between staff and clients.

It may sound strange… but afterwards the studio felt different..? Had the energy shifted..? I don’t know..? But what I have now is a fully functioning studio with a new motivated team and a steady increase in business.”

“May your walls know joy; May every room hold laughter and every window open to great possibility” - M Radmacher-Hershey

• Are there problems with certain areas in your life?
• Does everything feel like an uphill struggle?
• Are you feeling tired and sluggish?

Our internal energy and emotion is externalised within our environment – be it our home or our office, and albeit unconsciously.  Also, in reverse, we internalise emotionally the effect of our external environment.

For example, do you ever open the front door and immediately feel your energy drop because you are disappointed to find… the mess you left earlier, the decorating that you haven’t finished, the lightbulb you haven’t fixed etc? Or, do you smile because everything looks neat and tidy or something you wanted fixed has finally been resolved?

Did you know that Feng Shui can help you recognise this? As it relates to specific areas of your life, your home and your business!

I work with feng shui in a very intuitive and practical way, incorporating the ‘Black Hat’, ‘Compass’ and ‘Form’ methods.

The aim of any consultation is to address any problematic ideas of your life or property and then work with the flow of energy within your property or your business to help improve these areas.

Home Consultations

My clients come to me with problems with their properties or with issues in their lives. The common problems are:

• Wanting a new career or to make a change within their career
• Difficulties with Relationships or wanting to start a relationship
• Building a new extension or renovating a property or a new build – wanting to get the ‘energy right’
• Problems within an existing home – constant leaks, investations etc
• Problems with energy, feeling fatigued, constant headaches or back problems
• Fertility – having difficulty starting a new family

A full feng shui consultation can address these and many more issues.

What does a Consultation include?

Initial briefing & discussion to identify the areas that you wish to address both in your life and within your property.

• A full Geopathic Stress survey
• Analysis of your property to ensure that all negative energy is addressed before nourishing, balancing and enhancing the positive energy
• Evaluation of specific problem areas within the property/your life
• Cures & Enhancements & Actions
• Feedback session with recommendations
• A full written report provided (where agreed)
• A follow-up review (where agreed)

Space Clearing and full EMF (Electro Magnetic Fields) survey can be included within the above or treated as a separate visit.

Business Consultation

Why have a Feng Shui Consultation on your Business?

No matter what size of business you have, Feng Shui can be really helpful in the following ways:-

• Helping with a move to new premises
• Addressing absenteeism
• Focusing on Sales targets & performance
• Improving Staff Relations
• Attracting New Business
• Boosting Prosperity

What would a Consultation Include?

Initial briefing & discussion to identify the areas that you wish to address within your business/premises.  The Consultation includes the items stated above (under Home Consultation).

Quarterly, 6 monthly or yearly reviews are often valuable as a measure of progress and to address new issues as and when they present.

Please do read the Testimonials provided by both residential and business clients for an insight into how a Feng Shui Consultation can be of benefit to you.  Click on Testimonials.

Alison is a fully qualified Feng Shui Consultant and Accredited with The Feng Shui Society.  If you would like to discuss or arrange a Consultation please call Alison on 07811 123494 or click on ‘Contact Me‘ to email.

They realign subtle energies and work through vibration.  They rebalance the human energy field (HEF) that surrounds and inter-penetrates the physical body and they activate points to the chakras that energetically regulate the body’s vibrational stasis.

Chakras are energy centres that run along the midline of the body. When we become stressed the chakras are affected and may become over-energised or under-energised.

There are seven main chakras that run along the spine and are accessed from the front of the body.  Each chakra has particular qualities that relate to organ and systems of the body as well as emotions and spiritual connection etc.  They are all interrelated, and therefore when one chakra is disturbed it can upset the functioning of the other chakras resulting in us reporting that we feel ‘out of sorts’.  By bringing the chakras back into balance the body achieves a state of homeostatis/wellbeing.

A crystal treatment involves a clearing of the physical, emotional and mental layers of the aura/chakras as well as energising and realignment of relevant chakras.  Pendulum dowsing is used during the treatment to ascertain what crystal is needed and where.

Treatments cost £50.00 for 1 hour.  If you are interested in booking an appointment then please contact Alison on 07811 123494 or click here to email.

However for those of you who are Feng Shui enthusiasts, the Japanese 9 Star Ki Astrology offers even more insight into the year ahead.

There are energetic implications as the 5 Earth Star moves into a new house (South East) – please note the changes that you need to make within your home and/or office to counteract the energy of the 5 Earth Star.

Below is the 9 Star Ki cycle for 2012 (the Japanese feng shui astrology) and a note of the relevant changes to be made.  Remember that if you have previously had a Feng Shui Consultation then you’ll find your 9 Star Ki number in your Feng Shui Report.  If you haven’t had a consultation and you would like to know your number, email me your date of birth and I’ll work it out for you.  Click on Contact to email me.

Check out the energetic implications of the moving or flying stars below:-

See what this year brings for you (remember that this works on a cycle of 9, where each year, the star moves into another ‘house’ or phase e.g. I am a ‘1’ Water Star and this year I move into the 9 Fire House and the energy of this year or phase has an impact on my ‘1 Water Energy’.  Next year we will be moving into our own ‘house’ as we commence another cycle of 9 again!

The cycle can be likened to the many phases that a seed goes through to develop hence you will read references to growth and harvest etc, once you reach the 9th house/phase, you return to the 1 phase again and so on..

The 9 Star Ki House/Phases for 2012:

1 Water Star - moves into the 9 Fire House.  The energy of this phase is about fame, illumination and recognition.  It is a year in which you can achieve and feel rewarded.  A year in which you can shine brightly but be careful that the energy you seek/attract is all positive and that you are not in the limelight for the wrong reasons.  It is a good year to see promotion within your career.  Be positive and make good use of this time.

2 Earth Star - moves into the 1 Water House (North).  This is the beginning of the cycle where planning is of key importance.  This year is about foundations, the laying of, planning and acquiring knowledge or whatever is needed to take your forward in this new cycle of 9. You need to be patient and self-reflect.  The better the planning, the better the rewards over the coming years!  This year can often prove frustrating however the Water energy of this year should nourish you along the way.

3 Wood Star - moves into the 2 Mother Earth House.  This is also a year of preparation, and nurture, building on the previous years foundation.  In theory you are preparing the soil and sowing the seed.  It can be a time of stagnation with little or slow growth – a time to plan your strategy for future action.

4 Wood Star - moves into the 3 Wood House.  The energy of the 3 area (the East) is a very dynamic energy.  You should feel very energised and stimulated.  It is a great year/phase to start new projects, launch new businesses etc but make sure you are on the right path.

5 Middle Earth Star - moves into the 4 Wood House.  It is another good year for you and one full of energy.  This year is about movement or growth but without stability therefore pace yourself well.  You will feel positive and enthusiastic, results will come from past efforts.  Don’t force things, go with the flow.

6 Metal Star - moves into the 5 Middle Earth House.  This year is about ups and downs.  It can be unpredictable and exciting.  You need to remain centered.  This is a powerful house – anything started this year will have greater impact.  Try to achieve balance in behaviour.  Reflect, assess, accept and plan.

7 Metal Star - moves into the 6 Metal House.  This phase is also about wealth and prosperity too.  You need to maintain your purpose and goal.  It is a phase where things will move forward and you will feel a sense of timing and control.  Take care not to impose your beliefs on others or become too bossy but enjoy being assertive!

8 Mountain Earth Star - moves into the 7 Metal House.  This is a time for harvest and celebration.  A time to reap rewards from working the crop.  You can to relax and socialise in this phase and enjoy the energy of the 7 Metal house.  This is a good phase or time in which to develop your spiritual nature.  You should enjoy good energy and stamina.  Enjoy but remain balanced.

9 Fire Star - moves into the 8 Mountain Earth House.  This can be both a time of change or stillness and stagnation.  A bit like the calm before the storm as sudden and unexpected change can occur.  You might feel frustrated because you want progression but you need to be calm and still and look for honest introspection.  Don’t allow yourself to be too stubborn or pushy or too reserved.  Don’t hide in your cave.

Happy New Year, energetically speaking!

2012 - The Year Of The Water Dragon

‘Gung Hay Fat Choy’ - Happy Prosperous New Year

23rd January 2012 – 9th February 2013

We have turned into the Chinese/Lunar New Year – this year we celebrate The Year Of The Dragon or to be more precise, the year of the Water Dragon (as Water is the represented element).  The colour associated with Water is Black and this brings a very powerful, unpredictable but fortunate, auspicious energy to the Year of the Black Water Dragon!  It is not necessarily the animal that represents the year but that of its inner nature!!  The Dragon represents the fifth animal in the 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac and follows the calm and peaceful energy of the previous year (The Year Of The Metal Rabbit).

The Dragon Personality

A Beautiful Water Dragon

Anyone born in 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 are Dragons.

Born in the year of the Dragon means that a person possesses one of the most powerful and auspicious of the 12 animal signs.  They are innovative, brave and passionate.

As most of us know, the Dragon is a mythical, legendary creature of stories and fairy tales.  It is associated with superiority, power and intelligence.  It is believed to protect against evil and is unpredictable, untouchable, noble and mysterious.  It is colourful beyond belief and yet you should not be able to see its head and tail at the same time (think of the beautiful coloured dragons used in the New Year celebrations and how they dance and weave so that you can’t see both head and tail together!)

This symbolic animal is pioneering, powerful, energetic and proud, direct and uncompromising – it hates restriction.  It likes to be at the centre of things yet can also be a loner.  The Dragon is loyal, but can be fiery.  Because of its nature, it is said that our luck can go either one way or the other this year – it could be that we are heading for a very transformational time both in terms of world events and also for individuals.  You may have already read information about the changing energy in 2012 and it should therefore be of no surprise that this year commences with strong, changeable Dragon energy.

However, as the element is Water it makes the energy a little calmer and hopefully slightly easier this year than if it were a Wood or Fire Dragon.

What Animal Are You?

Compatibility

Most compatible with : Rat, Monkey, Rooster

Least compatible with : Dog, Horse, Tiger

How the Year of the Dragon will influence you:

The Rat

Literally speaking, the rat was the first out of the water when Buddha set a race to claim their positions and therefore the Rat came to represent the first of the 12 animal signs! He therefore tends to be able to adapt quickly to his surroundings or to change.  The year will be successful for him if he in turn is optimistic and bold, especially in terms of his career.

The Ox

It seems the year ahead is also good for the Ox, again especially in terms of career but it comes with stress and pressure too.  There will be new projects or ventures opening up to him in the early part of this year.  He will, of course do, all that is required of him to move forward, develop and grow with stoic dedication and perseverance.

The Tiger

Last year was quite a tough year for the Tiger, but this year definitely brings a far easier energy for him and he will achieve results far quicker in the early part of the year if he concentrates on just one or two projects and doesn’t spread himself too thin!

The Rabbit

Last year was the Rabbit’s year but a Rabbit in a Dragon year should be a good too.  The Dragon energy supports the qualities of the Rabbit, in fact, the Rabbit is favoured by or affiliated to the Dragon which means that the year should run more smoothly for the Rabbit. He will be successful in communication and diplomacy and will have a strong motivation to adjust, or make change and cope with the ups and downs that this year brings.

The Snake

The Snake should have a good year in 2012 as there are plenty of opportunities to be found but he must work hard and earn his success.  He needs to use his natural ability and intuition to guide him on the right path towards success.  Above all, he must stay focused.

The Horse

The Horse must be calm and not hasty this year.  He must be ready to encounter the ups and downs that this mixed year brings him.  If he proceeds with caution and a steady manner then the year may bring success for him.

The Sheep/The Goat/The Ram

Gentle and compassionate, peace-loving, accommodation, timid, vulnerable, worrisome.  Hate conflict.  Emotional and pessimistic.  Romantic, inclined to sulk when upset.  Things look good for him this year especially in the spring!.. Finances could improve!

The Monkey

Ingenious and resourceful, energetic and active.  Enthusiastic and motivating.  Flexible with a good memory.  Tend to be oblivious of other people.  2012 could be a good year for  career development and achievement!

The Rooster

Sociable, thrive as centre of attention.  Confident and strong-willed.  Imposing, controversial, handle money well – tend to be perfectionists.  Financial flow should come to the Rooster way this year and luck is in the stars.

The Dog

Honest and intelligent and straightforward.  Loyal and dependable, pessimistic by nature.  Can be obstinate and unbending.  He might find this year a bit tough because of the energy of the Dragon – he may find support from another Tiger who can help.

The Boar/Pig

Honest and generous, loyal and thoughtful.  Natural and enduring, social.  Everyone’s friend, rarely argue, can be over-indulgent.  This year should be a good year on the financial front for the Boar/Pig.

The black colour represents the water energy for 2012

“Modern man will never find peace until he comes into harmony with the place where he lives”  Carl Jung

This is a favourite quote of mine and I could almost add that this not only relates to our outer environment i.e. our homes, but also our inner environment – our feelings, our emotions, our thoughts, our health !!

Last month we looked at the ‘basic principles’ of Feng Shui…… “to live in harmony with our environment so that the energy surrounding us works for us rather than against us”.

This month we are looking at ‘the benefits’.  In general Feng Shui can help to improve your health, wealth and vitality.  You can address such issues as relationships, work success, creativity as well as helping to determine the layout, feel and interior design of your home.

The benefits of a consultation are numerous and can:-

• define your living area or space simply and easily allowing you to feel more settled.
• help to determine room functionality.
• harness the use of positive energy via colour, design, directions, elements, symbols, and positioning or placement.
• bring solutions to problematic areas of your life or your home.
• enhance energy flow, creating harmonious, healthy and successful living.
• bring into balance the 5 Elements (key in all Traditional Chinese Work) and the subtle energies of yin and yang.

No one consultation is ever the same but the reasons behind them seem to be fairly consistent, here are some of them.  A desire to:-

• find a partner, a new relationship or to improve an existing relationship
• help when a family member has been unwell
• change jobs and careers
• feel motivated to move forward – to find focus in one’s life
• clear negative energy – something doesn’t ‘feel’ right in the home
• clear energy after the break-up of a relationship and to help re-focus
• make the house ‘feel’ more like home
• help businesses focus on key areas such as Sales, Targets, Goals; to set vision/mission statements;
• improve good fortune, prosperity and overall good health.
• help make decisions over improvements, alterations and building work.

Feng Shui is a wonderful tool that we can use to heighten our awareness of the subtleties of our surroundings.

What might happen if you focused on the impact that your home/environment has on your energy??

What might happen if you were to make some changes??

So far we have looked at the Feng Shui ‘principles’ and the ‘benefits’.  Next month we will look at ‘the different types of energies’ and their impact on ours!!

Well its that time of year again and so many are suffering from various viruses but mainly the flu.  Children pick up things from school/nursery, adults from trains, tubes, planes and ‘the office’.  Last week several clients had to cancel their treatments.

So, what can we do to avoid the dreaded ‘flu’??  Here are the main 5 tips to avoid colds and flu:-

1. Eat healthily – lots of foods with vitamins and minerals to help stave off colds and flu and to keep the immune system healthy.
2. Sleep regularly – get good sleep or rest if you can and plenty of it. Apparently we adults should be getting a good 7-8 hours of lovely restful, interrupted sleep each night!!  Deep sleep releases growth hormones that help the immune system fight off viruses.
3. Washing hands regularly stops the contamination of germs.
4. Exercise regularly and in moderation to help support your overall health and immune system.  Note though that too much high intensity exercise can actually decrease the immune system and make you vulnerable to viruses.
5. Get fresh air – even when its REALLY fresh!!

And, when you are coming down with something nasty, here are the top 5 tips to get you on your road to recovery:-

1. When you start to feel ill, please stop and listen to your body.  Keep warm and, above all, rest!… Most people try to ‘work through’ their symptoms  - you just prolong your ‘healing’ period AND you’ve probably passed the virus on to others!
2. As a rule of thumb – it takes about 7 to 10 days to recover fully from viral illnesses such as flu.
3. Eat healthy hearty warm foods and drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
4. Be patient, and give yourself plenty of time to recover.  Slow down (don’t exercise) until you are feeling much better!
5. If your symptoms persist or if you are concerned at any time, seek medical advice.