Back to basics is best for every body
WHEN FOCUSING ON IMPROVING OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLBEING, IT’S IMPORTANT TO BECOME FRIENDS WITH YOUR BODY — NOT ONLY TREATING IT WITH KINDNESS BUT LISTENING TO WHAT IT HAS TO SAY. TRY THESE SIMPLE ACTS OF SELF-CARE TO START.
EAT WELL
It’s not unusual to reach for comfort food at times of great stress but in actual fact, it’s during these challenges that we need to focus on going back to basics and nourishing our bodies with all of the good stuff. When it comes to lunches, take advantage of having your entire pantry and fridge at your disposal while working from home and prepare something fresh, rather than packaged or processed. Upping your fruit and vegetable intake will give your immune system an all important boost during the cooler months.
STAY HYDRATED
Are you skin and lips dry or cracked? Spending so much time indoors with the heater on can drain our bodies of natural hydration so it’s more vital than ever to make sure you’re hitting the recommended water intake. If you’re finding yourself chained to the desk most of the day and forgetting to keep up your fluids, drink from a glass, rather than a large bottle, to encourage you to refill – having to move your body is an added bonus. Setting regular reminder alarms can also be helpful.
GET SET UP
Making your work station work for you is key to reducing strain on your body. Desks or tables can vary in height so a good rule of thumb is to adjust your chair so your elbows are bent to 90 degrees. The Geelong Osteo Group suggest having your monitor an arms distance away and at eye level. This allows for it to be close enough so that you can read without straining your eyes or adjusting your posture. If you use two monitors, consider how you use them — if you have a primary monitor, this should be directly in front of you.
MOVE IT
Amid all the stages of restrictions, exercise has never been limited which is perhaps a reflection of how vital it is to our physical health and overall wellbeing. While motivation might be low given our current mental load, and the winter weather doesn’t always seem inviting, it’s important to find ways to move your body regularly. What this looks like is different for everyone. It could be a walk or run at one of the many gorgeous settings around Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast or yoga and pilates at Upstate Studio. It could be high intensity interval training like that offered at Elite Training Centre Geelong or strength and conditioning at Cultivate Health Centre. Whether you work out at home or at a gym is a personal decision based on what sort of environment makes you feel comfortable and motivated – for example, some women prefer all female gyms like Curves or Fernwood. Whatever your style, find a way to get a dose of endorphins.
REST AND REPAIR
At times of stress, we often hold tension in our body without even realising it. Classic signs can include a clenched jaw or shoulders slowly creeping up to our ears. Mindful breathing exercises can help release the muscles at a particular moment in time but it’s important to remember to stretch regularly or use a foam roller, if possible, for ongoing maintenance. For the spots you can’t reach, particular areas or concern or even just as an act of self care, remedial massage always leaves you feeling more relaxed. It is one of the many services offered at Beyond Ocean Grove.