It’s been a really tough year, and we all need to rest and recover with renewed energy and positivity. So, with that in mind, I thought it would be useful to share some simple but effective advice from Alex Prince Osteopathy on how to maintain best physical and mental health in Bristol.
The last couple of years have been an extended period of stress and increased anxiety for many, and this had a knock-on impact on mental and physical health in Bristol.
Heightened stress and ongoing uncertainty are a big drain on the body’s mental, emotional and physical reserves. We are designed for fight or flight responses, but when the perceived battle or stress is constant, the body gets tired, drained and vulnerable to mental and physical issues.
At Alex Prince Osteopathy, I work with a range of patients of differing ages, with varying health conditions, and of different overall fitness levels.
All can benefit from professional osteopathy treatments at my Henleaze clinic, and I’ve also got some simple, effective advice for maintaining physical and mental health.
Ensuring good mental and physical health is so important.
My advice on keeping your mind and body in the best possible health includes:
Give yourself time
Taking time out daily to rest and recharge is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, and is often the most neglected way we can improve overall health.
Find ways to de-stress
Stepping outside of the daily grind and being able to de-stress is an essential tool in maintaining mental and physical health. Some of my Bristol osteopathy patients choose to undertake physical activities. Sport, is a great release of tension and worry for many and will directly improve both mental and physical health.
For other patients, the simple act of getting fresh air and walking outside can deliver huge mental and physical benefits.
I have a considerable number of patients who do various gentle forms of exercise including yoga, pilates, core exercises, and body balance classes.
Some patients visiting me also enjoy the mental and emotional benefits gained from meditation and general mindfulness techniques, and I’ve had some fascinating conversations with them about this.
Get focused with diet
The food we eat dictates how smoothly our bodies operate, so why not consider a detox or a cleanse to reset the body and get back on track.
Perhaps think about your intake of carbs and sugars, as well as increasing your daily intake of water. Most of us should drink more water each day.
Prioritise sleep
Our bodies recover physically and mentally when we sleep. Poor sleep leads to poor body recovery, which can in turn cause poor health. Although we all need a different amount of sleep each night, prioritise your individual sleep.
Some of my patients take a 20-minute power nap each afternoon, whilst other patients have a set routine every evening to ensure they get a quality eight hours per night. It’s essential to find out what works best for your body.
I recently wrote a News post highlighting top tips on how to avoid the most common health problems. This is highly relevant and useful – find out more here.
I also wrote a News post discussing the benefits of gentler forms of exercise which many of my older patients have commented on – please visit here to see for yourself.
To find out more about the full range of osteopathic treatments that I’m provide in Bristol, please visit here for details.