Mindful Monday - November 2nd
Clinic Updates
Sorry to interrupt with boring stuff…After the government announcement on Saturday, we wanted to let you know that it currently appears we will be able to carry on looking after you all, as we have done throughout this modified version of 2020. If anything changes, we will keep you updated via our social media, our Thoughtful Thursday newsletter, or we’ll give you a good old-fashioned call.
Now on to our regularly scheduled programming – Luke has the week off and Ami-Bree has an amazingly well-timed takeover of our Mindful Monday newsletter. Keep your heads up and please do give us a call if we can help you with anything.
Cheers,
Drew
Hello Chiro.London friends! I hope you are all in excellent health and have had a lovely weekend.
I put my hand up for this week’s Mindful Monday as I’d like to talk about ‘underlying stress’. This is stress that you may not even be aware you’re harbouring, until you stop and ‘tune in’ to your thoughts.
It’s been a common theme I’ve noticed when adjusting my clients lately; whether it’s because their system is tightly wound and they are symptomatic, or because they feel comfortable enough to address their feelings and confide in another person in a safe place. Quite often they don’t even realise they have been harbouring such emotions, and the relief and understanding that follows can be quite significant.
I’d like to give everyone a gentle reminder that…
It is ok to feel stressed. Given everything that has happened this year, I would say that you deserve to give yourself a break!
This being said, what can you do to counteract the stresses?
Don’t be afraid to confide in us (your chiropractors)! We are here to listen, and do not judge. :)
It is ok to cry. Trust me when I say tears happen on a daily basis (at least, they do on my shifts!).
it is completely normal to have an emotional response post-adjustment.
This leads me to emotional stress. Emotional stress = work stress, relationship stress, family issues, arguments, worry, anxiety and other relatable stresses that many of us are experiencing at the moment. These can all affect our nervous system, how it functions, and our response to stressors.
Here are some of the ways I personally deal with emotional stress, which I hope may be of help to you also…
Getting adjusted. We have a great and caring team, who give copious amounts of support and always help me to feel and function at my best. This is my first port of call, as I find emotional stress aggravates any physical stress my body may be harbouring.
Taking a magnesium supplement, having an Epsom salt bath, and eating magnesium-rich foods (such as dark chocolate, avocado and spinach). Stress depletes our natural stores of magnesium, and deficiencies can equal cramps, muscle aches, poor sleep, headaches, and anxiety. You can read more about the wonders of magnesium here.
Diffusing some essential oils – my favourites are frankincense, lavender, cedarwood, and peppermint.
Talking (or venting) to trusted friends and family.
Exercising outdoors, whether that means going for a walk, or a session with my PT by the river. However, be aware that intense, ‘stressy’ exercise can amplify symptoms of stress (think fight or flight). Pause and tune in to how you are feeling post exercise – your body may tell you it needs to do more calming things, such as walking, yoga or pilates. Personally, I am a big advocate for slowing things down when stressed.
If you are still reading, thank you for taking in my musings! If you would like more titbits of information, especially in regards to family health, pregnancy, mums and bubs and, of course, mental health, you can follow and get in touch with me on Instagram @dr.amichiro.
Make the most of your week and have a good one!
Ami-Bree