10/09/2021
Are you feeling a little like these frogs? Feeling like you're hanging in there for your next massage? I sure am looking forward to Auckland entering Alert Level 2 - whenever that will be! I will be heading straight for my massage therapist. If you are like me and suffering from some aches and pains, headaches, stiff neck etc, here are 5 tips to keep you trucking on:
1. Keep moving! Swing those legs and arms, twist those torso's, beat the streets, or local park / bush tracks, do some star jumps, skip some rope. Anything to keep the blood pumping and the lungs moving.
2. Drink plenty of water. I find, when in lockdown, a lot of my good habits go on the wayside. Drinking enough water is one of them.
Studies show that if you allow yourself to become dehydrated, it can impair your mood and concentration. It also increases the frequency of headaches and increases feelings of anxiety and fatigue. So if you have lockdown blues and / or headaches, don't add to the stress by letting yourself become dehydrated.
3. Stretch! Refer back to the stretches I have given you or look up on Google or You Tube for some ideas. There's no right or wrong with stretching but ensure it feels comfortable rather than painful. And use your instinct - if you get yourself into a position that is stretching a sore muscle and it feels good, then just go with it!
4. "Laughter is the best medicine" I'm just going to post a link here. Have a read - laughter has great health benefits.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm
Watch a funny movie, read some jokes, be silly with your kids / pets or have a scroll on social media - there's some pretty funny stuff on there at the moment. I was looking through my daughter's Tik Tok account today and had me some giggles.
5. Hugs! Psychologist Joe Rock, PsyD, says “hugs cause a decrease in the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, decrease your blood pressure and heart rate in stressful situations,” The feeling of isolation and lack of human connection we have with these lockdowns are part of what makes them so difficult. The longing for human touch and connection is as basic as any human need. So hugs with those in your "bubble" are all the more important. Extra ones are a must! I'm sure your pet would appreciate the extra hugs and cuddles too.
So until Alert Level 2 - keep on keeping on, and hang in there man!
