You always focus on everyone else. Driving your friends to the airport. Or helping them move. Getting the kids to soccer practice. Then piano lessons. Then the dance recital. You love your friends and family, and you love helping them lead healthy, happy lives. But did you ever consider that taking time for yourself can benefit them as well?
You play an important role in the lives of those you love and care for. But, giving them the best version of you means you can’t forget about the importance of addressing your own physical limitations and aches that get in the way of your optimal health.
It’s Not Selfish, It’s Self-Care
When detailing the safety procedures on an airplane, what’s one of the first things the pilot tells you? If oxygen masks are needed, always put on your own before helping others.
This sentiment often applies to daily life. If you take the time to fulfill your own needs, you’ll be in a better position to help those you love. But during the holiday season, who has time to engage in a self-care routine?
It’s easier than you think. And your physical therapist can help you develop a self-care plan (accounting for sleep, nutrition, physical exercise, recovery, and relaxation) that works around your schedule— no matter how busy it is!
3 Ways You Can Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness occurs when you focus all your attention on the present moment. This allows you to become fully engaged in your activities, improves your ability to accept adverse events, and contributes to an overall positive outlook on life.
Mindfulness has been scientifically proven to:
- Increase happiness, problem-solving, and creativity
- Improve energy, memory, and concentration
- Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer
The best part? You can practice mindfulness anywhere and anytime. In the car. At the mall. At the dinner table. Not sure how to get started? Ask your physical therapist for step-by-step instructions on some mindfulness techniques that could work for you. Here are three ways you can begin practicing self-care.
1. Practice Kindness with Yourself
When you’re just focused on your lengthy to-do list, it’s easy to lose track of the joy of the holiday season. Then, before you know it, it just feels exhausting- but it doesn’t have to be that way. What do you love to do that re-energizes you? Reading? Riding your bike? Taking a bubble bath? Start to think of those things as necessary, rather than special treats if time permits. Remember—caring for yourself allows you to better take care of others.
2. Find Joy in Your Everyday Movement
We are all aware of the pressures surrounding “holiday weight gain.” This sometimes makes exercising during the holidays feel like a punishment to “work off” the decadent meals. Sometimes, just that negative connotation can make exercise seem overwhelming.
We’re here to tell you that exercise should never be a punishment. And in reality, you don’t have to do high-intensity workouts to reap all the wonderful benefits of movement!
Go for a walk with your best friend. Toss the football around with your niece during half-time. Build a snowman in the front yard. Movement boosts endorphins and can clear your head—and there are so many enjoyable ways to be active and boost your mood this holiday season.
And if pain or injury prevents you from being active, contact your physical therapist. They’ll get you set up with a tailored treatment plan so you can experience all the benefits of movement.
3. Deep Breathing Exercises Can Be Impactful
Research has proven that spending a few minutes focusing on your breath can truly relax you. It sounds simple, and it is. The hard part is making it a priority. Ready to give it a try?
Can you spare 5 minutes? Good. Sit down and breathe deeply. Fill your lungs fully, exhale slowly, and repeat. Place all your attention on how each inhale and exhale feels. After a few minutes of these breathing exercises, you’ll have more oxygen running through your body, allowing the body’s natural relaxation response to kick in. Feels good, right?
Need Help? Ask Your Physical Therapist
Our MVPT team is committed to helping you reach your full potential. Using a holistic approach, your physical therapist will help you build a self-care plan tailored to your unique needs. As your partner in health, we are here to help you combat the stressors of the holidays, refill the tank, and take care of you so you can take care of those you love!
Call any MVPT Physical Therapy location to schedule or complete the form below to request an appointment.
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