Like anything in life that we use on a regular basis, maintenance and care are necessary. Our bodies will give us feedback like tight muscles, aches, pains, or various forms of discomfort. Sometimes these signs are minor and easy to ignore, sometimes they demand immediate attention. A daily practice of tuning in to your body’s messages is a staple of preventative and long-term health.
We all have a unique experience in this life, including our physical bodies and ability to handle pain and discomfort. Having an open and honest dialogue with yourself about your physical and emotional health is important. Life often puts a lot on our plates, and our personal well being often takes a back seat to the everything else. However waiting too long to listen to your body’s signals can result in a more serious condition down the road.
Muscle stiffness could come from exercising a certain way, not moving enough, dehydration, or even sleeping in a funny position. Headaches could be from dehydration, poor diet choices, or hormone fluctuations. Digestive issues could be a result of poor diet choices or emotional stress. The sources of discomfort are varied, but the best form of prevention and recovery remains constant: self-care.
Choosing to pay attention to your physical and emotional well-being will put you in the driver’s seat for optimal health. Ignoring the symptoms your body gives you opens the door for chronic conditions and diseases to take hold. Your heart, brain, digestive, muscular, and cellular health can all be maintained and optimized. If you are noticing things feel “off”, be pro-active and make adjustments to your routine. Here are some things to think about for self-care:
- Stretch and move all the joints in your body every day. Take a few moments to address any tightness. Give extra attention to spots that need it.
- Be proactive in dealing with emotional stress. Exercise, meditation, relaxation, and positive communication are great ways to bring the stress levels down. If it’s not dealt with, cortisol will wreck havoc on the body.
- The human body can handle some bad days of bad eating or drinking, but don’t let it go on for too long. Don’t become numb to indigestion, headaches, or skin problems that may be linked to a poor diet. Work on eating real foods and getting plenty of water.
- Choosing a few minutes in the morning or before you go to sleep are great times to “tune in” and respect how you are feeling. Make it a practice that evolves over time. You will enjoy the control it gives you.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a professional for help. Trust your intuition. If something really feels wrong, get some professional guidance.
