Has the festive period taken its toll and you are starting 2018 determined to be fitter and healthier?
It’s that time of year again when people start to make New Year resolutions, and generally unrealistic ones! “I’m going to lose 2 stones in a month” or “I’m going to start training for that marathon next month”. So, more often than not, we aren’t successful, which can leave us feeling quickly disheartened. The point is we need to set realistic steps/goals that we can easily manage. Here are a few things that we recommend to implement into your everyday life this New year!
Get Adjusted!
Do you have your booking for your next adjustment with one of the chiropractors or osteopaths? Making sure that your spine is functioning and mobile is so important! This is not just about how your back or neck feel (important as that is) but also about the effects of abnormal spinal function on your overall wellbeing and health!
Sleep tight
Getting enough sleep allows your body to repair itself after the day’s stresses; it not only keeps you healthy but happier too. 8-10 hours of sleep each night is recommended so if you have to get up earlier for work the next day allow for this, and pop to bed a few hours earlier that night. Relax an hour before you go to bed – it will help you drift off more easily – avoid doing things related to work or anything stressful that requires you to think.
Eat Healthy Food
Cut down on the junk food! Try to eat your ‘5 a day’, remember potatoes don’t count, but sweet potatoes do! This will leave you feeling generally more energetic and happy. Replace unhealthy snacks with a piece of fruit or perhaps some nuts (but make sure to treat yourself once in a while).
Drink!
Water, not wine! We need water for many systems in the body but importantly we need it as part of the bodies healing processes. Staying well hydrated can help speed up your recovery, and also boost your immune system helping to prevent you from getting cold or the Flu! Water is good for everything in your body and I would list them all but it’s never ending. Try to drink 8 glasses a day but if you do not really like the taste try adding some squash (preferably sugar and phenylalanine free).
Exercise
Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick jog or dancing in your room it will keep you feeling strong and happy. Due to our busy lifestyles it’s hard to exercise daily; but try to fit in a little more than you already do and I’m sure you will like the difference. Working out releases the happy hormones ‘endorphins’ and leaves you feeling healthy, strong and happy! A daily 21 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio today is what experts say it takes to be considered moderately fit. Moderately fit women are 44 percent less apt to have depressive symptoms than non-exercisers.
Smile and laugh
Don’t fret about things that are in the past, you can’t change them now. Don’t worry about the future or things you can’t change, after all it might never happen. Take deep breaths, do pilates/yoga, relax and avoid stress at all times, it’s not good for you. Overall do not be pessimistic; smile and laugh and you will be happy; also who knows maybe your smile might make somebody’s day.
Don’t suffer
After the busy and stressful Christmas period we tend to collapse in a heap. Now that time has passed, and the New Year is here, you have time to concentrate on yourself. Don’t suffer in silence with that niggling low back or achy, tense neck you have been putting up with. Even if you’re feeling rundown or low of energy, it’s time to look after yourself again. Maybe you could come in and spoil yourself with a fantastically relaxing massage with one of our lovely therapists?
Book in with Reflex Spinal Health and revitalise yourself ready to start the New Year! Our fantastic team of Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Massage Therapists in Reading are here to help you Feel Alive in 2018!
