Happy New Year! Whether it’s a new diet, a new exercise program, or a new healthy lifestyle, many of us have committed to a New Year’s Resolution. Here are a few steps you can take to improve the health of your spine and your overall wellness this year.
Exercise
Find something that you really enjoy doing that raises your heart rate for more than 30 minutes a day. There are many benefits of regular exercise – not only will you decrease your risk of obesity and diabetes, but you’ll also experience a reduction in back pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal symptoms.
De-stress
Most people suffer with stress at some point in their lives and unfortunately this is unavoidable. Meditation, going on walks, and taking breaks throughout the day can aide in stress reduction. Lowering your stress can make your immune system more resilient and decrease chronic pain flare-ups.
Laugh often
Laughter doesn’t just relieve mental stress, it also benefits your health. Studies have shown that laughing can stimulate the heart, muscles and lungs, not to mention the endorphins that are released after a good laughter.
Eat your greens
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale, which are rich in calcium, can help to decrease your risk of osteoarthritis. We should aim for 7-8 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day.
Get a good night’s sleep
Sleep is the time that our bodies need to heal and repair from the stresses and strains of day to day life. By having enough sleep you’ll increase your immunity and keep your energy levels high, meaning you will be more productive in your waking hours.
Quit smoking
Cigarette smoking increases your risk of spinal conditions and arthritis, along with numerous other medical conditions. Acupuncture is one of the most helpful tools and is very effective in helping break the addiction cycle.
See a Chiropractor
The spine plays an important role in your overall health by ensuring that your nervous system is functioning smoothly. Chiropractic treatment restores motion in the joints to help correct poor posture and restore full range of motion.
