Kicking off the New Year, you may have set some family goals that include moving more.  Mindful physical activity is a crucial component to preventing injury.  Preventing injury is a whole lot easier than healing from an injury.  Let’s talk about that.  

Your bones and muscles most likely take a beating throughout the day. Some of you may have a rigorous exercise regimen and may be training for an event like a marathon or cycling race throughout the year, while others walk around a lot at work.  Sedentary jobs are just as essential as laborious jobs, but sitting for long periods of time is rough on your spine as well, which makes avoiding back problems feel impossible. Gravity doesn’t always help us, because it is a natural and constant compression, which can lead to tightness and ultimate pain.  Regardless of your lifestyle or career, it’s wise to be proactive in your health. Proactivity can also kickstart mindfulness, which can have a slew of positive benefits, really helping to shape the year and your life as you navigate it.  

Chiropractors are loaded with knowledge. They tend to take a more natural approach to healthcare, truly treating the patient and not just the ailment. Doctors of chiropractic focus on the musculoskeletal system, which consists of ligaments, bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. Caring for this area has proven to reduce the risk of some major diseases and subsequent health conditions.  Seeking chiropractic care as a preventive measure is an excellent approach to shaping your own wellness practice.  Clinicians can help you establish a daily routine that incorporates stretching into your life that, when done correctly (and we will show you!) can strengthen your core, and center your whole self.  Stretching every morning helps prep your body for the movements that are to follow. Stretching before bed helps relieve tension, thus promoting a better night’s sleep.  It can’t get much better than that! 

Be mindful when you’re at work, regardless of whether you work at home or in an office setting. There is value in sitting and resting regularly, as well as moving around throughout the day.  It is crucial to sit up straight, bend with your knees, and hold heavy objects close to your body.  These simple sounding tips can keep your body from giving out at the very wrong time.  

Everyone forms habits, good and bad. Learning to be mindful of something like how you sit can be difficult. A lot of people need to be mindful of how they sit, stand, walk, exercise, etc. There are things you can do to help make this change easier.

Don’t rely on your memory and brain power to change these kinds of habits. They’re probably years in the making and it’s going to take time to build new ones. If you sit at a desk, utilize sticky notes. Keep them where you can see them frequently. Remind yourself to sit up straight, walk around, and/or get some water. These reminders will serve you to remember to do the thing that is written down, but it will also offer an exercise in mindfulness, because each time you see them, you’ll be reminded of a goal you set that you are working towards each and every day.  That is worthy of celebration.  Just like you are.  

The staff and family at Momentum Chiropractic remain grateful to be a part of your journey to wellness.  We hope our messages bring you joy and knowledge all year long, but especially during the New Year as you set your goals for the next 12 months.  If you are curious about taking a deeper dive in your personal health, please reach out!  We want to help you be the healthiest you that you can be.