-By Dr Brenda Hiew (Chiropractor)
Spring is almost here, and after a cooler Bundaberg winter, you might be ready to get outside and move a little more.
Maybe you’re thinking about spending more time outdoors, getting back into a regular exercise routine or walking more often.
Why Spring Is a Good Time to Reset
Winter can shift our routines without us noticing. We may move less, spend more time indoors, sit for longer or let our usual sleep and exercise habits slide.
Spring is a natural time to ask: What does my body need more of this season?
Here are five simple places to start.
1. Get More Natural Light
Take advantage of the longer days by stepping outside in the morning or taking a short walk at lunchtime. Natural light plays an important role in your body’s sleep-wake cycle, and getting outdoors is an easy opportunity to get moving too.
2. Move a Little More
You don’t need to jump straight into an intense exercise program. A walk after dinner, a swim, a few morning mobility exercises or regular breaks from sitting all count. I’m a big believer in finding a type of movement you actually enjoy. For me, that’s Pilates and gardening. For you, it might be cycling, playing a social sport or getting back to the gym.
3. Refresh Your Plate
Spring is a great time to add more variety to your meals with colourful vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, lean proteins, legumes, nuts and healthy fats.
Instead of focusing on what you should cut out, try asking: What could I add? A piece of fruit with breakfast or an extra vegetable at dinner is a simple place to begin.
4. Reset Your Sleep Routine
Changing daylight hours are also a good reminder to check in with your sleep habits. Keeping fairly consistent sleep and wake times, reducing screens before bed and getting natural light during the day are a few small changes to consider.
You don’t have to get everything right at once. Pick one change and see how it fits.
5. Check In With Your Body
As you become more active, notice how your body feels. Are you dealing with stiffness, recurring headaches, neck or shoulder tension, lower back discomfort or movements you’ve started avoiding?
It’s easy to work around a niggle that’s been there for a while. If something is bothering you or making an activity harder, you may want to have it assessed.
Where Chiropractic Care May Fit In
At Family Chiropractic Bundaberg, we start with an individual assessment rather than making assumptions about what’s going on. We look at factors such as posture, movement, strength, balance and alignment, while also talking about what you’re experiencing and what you’d like to get back to doing.
If chiropractic care is appropriate for you, your care plan may include chiropractic care alongside personalised exercises, movement or ergonomic advice and lifestyle recommendations. Progress check-ins also give us an opportunity to see how you’re going and whether your plan needs adjusting.
Your plan should fit you, not the other way around.
Make Your Spring Reset Your Own
Your spring reset might mean getting back to strength training, trying a new class, spending more time outdoors or simply making a little more room for movement in your week. Start small, stay consistent and give yourself time to adapt.
If stiffness, discomfort or restricted movement is getting in the way of the activities you enjoy, contact Family Chiropractic Bundaberg to arrange an assessment and discuss whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual advice from your healthcare provider.