We live in an age of digital overdose. Our senses are constantly being fired up with noises, lights, sounds and demands. It’s normal to be always ‘on’, to never be out of reach and to sleep next to our mobile phones. But at what cost?
Think back to your last holiday – the one where you really relaxed. Where you lounged in a hammock, book and drink in hand or swam in the ocean with not a care in the world. How good did it feel? No stressing about the next meeting, tomorrow’s deadline or what to cook for dinner – you probably felt calm, peaceful and happy. You likely had time to spend with those you love, playing the board games you never normally get time for, sharing long walks in nature. It’s at times like these that we feel most connected to ourselves and to our families. Does this sound familiar?
Unfortunately for most of us, life isn’t a constant holiday of hammocks and reading by the pool. We have commitments, work, children, ageing parents, friendships to maintain and a whole host of other obligations we try to juggle. All too often, at Evolve Manual Therapy, we see clients put themselves last, at the bottom of the list under the other responsibilities needing to be managed. Our therapists see clients arrive exhausted and overwhelmed at the sheer amount in their daily to do list, resulting in negative physical and mental health symptoms. Aside from seeking help from our expert team, there are ways we can positively impact our own wellness, in our own time and to the beat of our own tune.
Finding time to stay connected to yourself is critical – losing yourself under a sea of responsibilities is a common complaint we hear and sympathise with. We’ve got a few suggestions to get you started on maintaining your own wellbeing.
- Walk in nature – Scientists are beginning to find evidence that being in nature has a profound effect on our brain and on our behaviour. We are physically and mentally more healthy when outdoors – it decreases stress and anxiety, reduces blood pressure and has been shown to improve moods. As an added benefit, walking helps our body to release serotonin, known as the happy hormone.
- Reading a book or completing a jigsaw puzzle – We know that by taking time out, we reduce our ‘fight or flight’ response and allow our nervous system to relax. By focusing on something specific, we’re helping to block out the many other ‘lose ends’ constantly buzzing around in our heads – the appointment you need to book, or the project you need to finish, get pushed to the back of your brain.
- Catch up with friends – We’re a tribal bunch and most of us thrive on connecting with others. Socialising helps create positive neuron connections in our brain and just having a friend listen to a challenge can help to break it down and reduce the anxiety we feel about that activity or thing.
- Have a soak in the bath – Take the time to relax in warm water to release many health benefits including reducing the workload of your adrenal glands and helping to restore balance within your body. Try using minerals and salts to help soothe, reduce toxins and heal.
- Practice meditating. Meditation has long been known to produce wellbeing enhancing benefits both mental and physical and using a guided meditation can help even a beginner to relax, release tension and enjoy a calmer mind.
The way you feel, becomes your essence of living. It’s time to push aside the constant digital demands and make space for our own personal wellbeing and health – when we don’t have time is exactly when we should practice self-love the most.