Mindful Monday - June 15th
Hi everyone,
After Drew’s not-so-subtle ‘encouragement’ in last week’s Thoughtful Thursday email, I thought I better try my hand and writing something. So welcome to Mindful Monday, the Doc Ami edition!
I hope that everyone is well and coping with the current climate. There is no right way to handle the changes that we have all experienced over the past few months, and I just want you to know that it is ok to feel what you feel. I am sure that we have all learned things about ourselves, our partners and families, what brings us joy and what doesn’t, and I hope that you bring that knowledge with you as we move forward.
For me, the biggest realisation was just how much I love my job! Going into work each day and immersing myself in the lives of my clients and following their health journeys is such an honour, and a privilege that I will not take for granted. As a chiropractor, I try to educate my clients on how to live healthy lifestyles, in all aspects of their physical, chemical and emotional health, as well as how to minimise stressors in these areas. So I thought this might be useful information for everyone who reads our emails!
What are physical, chemical and emotional stressors?
Physical stressors: These include the exercise that we do (or don’t do), physical traumas that we may have had, surgeries that our body has undergone, poor postures we create, limits in range of movement and biomechanical dysfunction.
Chemical stressors: These consist of what we put in our body (medications, alcohol, processed foods, refined sugars, smoking) as well as the chemical reactions that take place in our body – for example, an inflammatory response to injury or chronic fight or flight (survival mode).
Emotional stressors: Comprise our daily levels of ‘stress’ (relationship, work, financial, pandemic etc.), any anxiety we may feel, and our overall mood or state of happiness.
Why is this important?
Symptoms, whether they are acute pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, low mood, sinus issues, poor digestion etc. rarely happen by accident. They are usually an accumulation of stressors that ‘fill up your bucket’ until it overflows and, once it does, it can feel like we are simply treading water and trying to stay afloat. Now more than ever, ensuring our health is at its best is of the utmost importance. So much of the information that we are hearing about is external, so I wanted to remind you of how you can strengthen the host (which is you!).
Here’s how we can start the week off right – I want you to think about any stressors that may have been present last week, and how can they be minimised going forward. While we can’t control everything, we do have the power to make positive changes towards an overall healthier self.
How can we reduce these stressors?
Limit processed foods and refined sugars, and eat seasonal and organic (if possible) whole foods.
Decrease artificial sweeteners, alcohol, drugs/medications (if appropriate).
Be mindful of harmful ingredients in beauty products such as make-up, shampoo and skin care products, as well as household cleaning products, and substituting these for more natural ones.
Get adjusted regularly!
Keep hydrated and make sure you’re drinking enough water (2L per day).
Practice mindfulness and limit stress, where possible – I find knitting works well for me!
Move regularly – I like to go outside and exercise where I can.
Be aware of the information that you consume in the media/social media. Limiting your screen time can assist with this, and also with physical stress, too (think posture!).
If you have any questions on stressors or ways to reduce them, please feel free to email them through. You can also check out my Instagram account, which features lots of information, exercises and bite-sized health tips that I hope will be of help to you and your families.
Love,
Ami-Bree x