Have you ever felt like your internal thermostat is just... broken? Like there’s a low-grade hum of heat or vibration under your skin, even when the room is cool?
Iron is a pro-oxidant. In the simplest terms, it burns. When our saturation levels are high, our bodies are working overtime to deal with that oxidative stress, which often results in systemic inflammation. It’s why our joints can feel rusty and why we often feel restless and hot in our own marrow. It’s an invisible fever that doesn’t show up on a thermometer, but you can feel it in every cell.
For a long time, I treated this restlessness as something to be worked out. I thought if I just did a harder vinyasa flow or a longer walk, I could burn off that excess energy. But when the engine is already redlining, you don’t add more RPMs. You don’t push a body that is already fighting an internal fire.
Being High-Maintenance on Purpose means we don’t just suck it up and keep moving through that heat. It means recognizing that our movement needs to be a Cooling Protocol, not a calorie-burning one. When I feel that internal hum now, I don’t reach for more activity; I reach for the yield. I’ve traded the sweaty, high-impact push for a series of deliberate, quiet choices designed to bring the temperature down. We are giving our liver and our nervous system a much-needed break from the burn, allowing the body to find its way back to a neutral, sustainable baseline.
We aren’t just resting; we are strategically cooling the system so we can stay in the game for the long haul.
Your High-Maintenance Challenge:
The Hydration Flush: Swap one dehydrating drink for room-temperature mineral water with a sprig of fresh mint. Mint is naturally cooling and helps the body feel fluid rather than stagnant and heavy.
The Legs-Up-The-Wall: This is my non-negotiable ritual. Spend 5 minutes before bed with your legs up the wall (Viparita Karani). It encourages lymphatic drainage and signals to your hot internal engine that it’s time to cool down and rest.
The Lukewarm Rinse: If you’re feeling that internal hum, try a lukewarm (not hot) shower before bed. Lowering your external temperature helps signal to your nervous system that the burn of the day is over.
When we lower the heat, we find the clarity to make the next right choice. It’s not about doing less; it’s about doing what is required for the version of us we want to be thirty years from now.
Life is the practice,
Lisa
COMING MAY 1st: The Plate: A Guide on How to Think About, Use, and Love Food Again After Diagnosis. Because a high-maintenance body deserves a high-quality manual.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article and within my work is for educational and informational purposes only and is based solely on my personal experience and research as a yoga professional living with Hereditary Hemochromatosis. I am not a doctor, licensed nutritionist, or medical professional. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.