“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”
This is in the words of the famous Yoga guru B.K.S, Iyengar, but it’s very true. Health should be looked upon globally and holistically.
Here are five things that could help with the way you look upon and can improve your health.
- Exercise: You can exercise simply by walking, running, HIIT sessions or doing some late night yoga- all movement counts! Exercising helps keep us physically and mentally fit, both are just as important as the other. According to the NHS- atleast 150 minutes of moderate activity per week is recommended.
- Sleep: It is so important, even though it heavily debated, approximately 6-8 hours of sleep a night can refresh the mind, repair the body, boost the immune system and release stress. Beauty sleep in every element!
- Socialise: Even if it’s a conversation with your co-worker for 15 minutes, a quick drink at the pub with friends or a catch up with your family; interacting with others has been shown to increase your sense of being and overall health. Laughing is one of our basic emotions, however it can boost the immune system, reduce stress, tension and blood pressure. Who would have thought laughing alone could have such an impact?!
- Eat raw: Adding raw foods to your diet that are packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins, mineral and macro-nutrients can improve your diet. Foods like raw greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds are especially good! Having a healthy mind, comes hand in hand with a healthy body.
- Down time: It is so so important to take time for yourself and learn how to relax and switch off. Whatever helps you focus on something that relaxes your brain is key to a healthy mind. Mediation can help ease stress and anxiety, whilst improving breathing and heart rate.
How can we help?
Treatment can prevent muscles from becoming fibrotic which can develop from stress (mental as well as physical stress), repetition or overuse of a muscle.
You may hear people say they have “knots” in their back which results in that achy, tired feeling, osteopaths call these trigger points. Deep soft tissue massage can help relax these tensions which makes the muscles work at optimal health. It also increases blood circulation in the area that enables the nutrients to filter effectively through the muscles.
Joints may also get restricted, whether this is segmentally in the spine or in joints in the knee and ankle etc. Articulating and manipulating these joints allows for greater range of movement and more flexibility.
Flexibility is one of the factors for prevention of injury alongside the factors mentioned above.
All in all, maintenance treatment may help prevent injury and pain in the future. But also, treatment can make you feel more relaxed. Seems simple right? Don’t suffer alone, let people around you help.
Why not give yourself a little MOT and book in with us today!
by Rebecca Player