This is a topic that circulated the socials recently and caught my attention as something great to be talking about.
We are often so focused on the everyday gains and getting by that it can be easy to forget to take care of ourselves! We can place focus on preparing for events, practise behaviours that assist in reaching desired outcomes, or develop coping strategies to get through tough times, but what about taking care of the after effects and continuing to support our wellbeing and recovery?
From periods of intense exercise, injury, poor sleep, sickness, and even periods of stress, emotional intensity, or fatigue, recovery can often take more time than we allow. Sometimes we aren’t just up an’ at ‘em again the next day; we don’t bounce back quite that quickly! It may take hours, days, weeks, or more and we need to give ourselves a little extra space, understanding, and TLC.
Even in good health, a good recovery is important to stay well. Perhaps you’ve completed an intense exercise or activity session, run a marathon, or had a long week at work; how do you support yourself to recover?
Here are some old-but-gold tips to remind you or stimulate thought around how you like to take care of yourself. They are all subjects that I could go on and on about, so if you would like more info, help, or advice around a specific topic, get in touch with me and I’d be more than happy to expand on any points.
· Food 🍎
Eating well-rounded, fresh foods like fresh vegies, fruit, nuts, whole grains, and proteins to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function, not just quick, easy energy snacks.
· Sleep 😴
Getting at least eight hours of sleep! Our body uses this time to rest, restore, and repair.
· Water 💦
Drinking plenty of water (between 1-2 litres per day), not just coffee! If you’ve had a sweaty session, replacing electrolytes through coconut water or sports drinks can be helpful.
· Quality time 🐒
Spending time with close friends or family, or taking some time out by yourself.
· Gentle Exercise 🧘
Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, stretching, yoga, etc. can stimulate the body after periods of stress or help in conditioning after intense periods of exercise.
· Rest and relaxation 💆🏻♀️
Taking a little time out every day to do what you like, maybe taking a walk in nature, reading a book, sitting and reflecting, or taking a nap. You can download a breathing or meditation app or take a class if you want a framework or guidance for mindful resting.
· Soothe 🛀🏽
Taking a hot bath or shower with magnesium/epsom salts to help muscle relaxation and/or using essential oils such as lavender.
· Other 💎
Insert your favourite thing here that I may have missed – or write to me and tell me about it!
Last but not least for today:
🙌🏻 Osteopathy 🙌🏻
We can help people in their recovery through hands-on treatment to assist in normalising muscle tone, blood flow, nerve, and immune health. As well as with stretching and strengthening exercises, support, and lifestyle advice. 🌱
Dr Annabelle Balharry
Click here to make an appointment with Dr Annabelle Balharry.
