Both physically and mentally!

During winter many of us tend to hibernate with hot, nourishing meals and quiet nights wrapped up in front of the TV.

While this can be very comforting, it doesn't do much for our fitness, circulation or energy levels and is often why we feel more lethargic during winter.

MIND-BODY CONNECTION

Our mood can vary depending on a lot of different components.

Stress, diet, exercise, toxicity, sleep and many other liar factors can impact how we feel, think and behave. Our emotional state can be very powerful and can even make us sick if not dealt with appropriately.

It is often very difficult to separate the mind from the body, even if we are not consciously aware of this connection. Your body constantly responds to your thoughts and feelings. This is often referred to as mind-body connection.

When you are stressed, anxious or upset, your body tries to tell you that something isn't right.

Many of us have experienced the onset of a headache or nausea that can occur after a stressful or upsetting experience. We can also recall the sensation that comes from a rush of adrenaline or even just after having a really good laugh. Suddenly, our bodies feel 10 years younger and full of energy!

This is all due to the impact of our emotional state, however, the opposite can also be true; that the way we physically feel can greatly affect our mood.

Chronic pain or dysfunction can often lower one's mood significantly and at times may lead to depression.

The good news is, because of this immensely strong mind-body connection it is therefore possible that when you correct one, you can also correct the other.

MAINTAINING HEALTH AND FITNESS

A walk is one of the most effective ways to maintain health and fitness and has many surprising benefits:

Improves heart and lung function: Walking increases your breathing rate, which means you take in more oxygen and strengthen your respiratory muscles. Studies have found that brisk walking is also effective for lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes risk and also helps in the prevention of heart disease.

Increases energy: A short, brisk walk can really wake you up if you're feeling a bit sluggish. Increasing your general fitness through regular walking will help you feel more energised as your body starts to work more efficiently.

Strengthens your immune system: That walking helps the body flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways, which reduces the chance of getting airborne illnesses. Even if you're under the weather, a gentle walk can be beneficial, as research consistently shows that exercise can help boost your immune system. 

Decreases stress levels: walking is a great way to remove yourself from a stressful environment. Focus on your breathing, the scenery or just listen to the sound of nature. Research shows that walking for 30 minutes in a ‘green’ environment will help you sleep better, and it may also significantly lower high blood pressure and stress levels.

Assist with weight loss: Any weight loss plan requires exercise to be a part of it and walking is a natural choice. Where a pedometer or activity tracker and aim for at least 10,000 steps a day. Regular walking will help your body burn fat and also strengthen your muscles – and must for anyone looking to change their shape.

Improves your Mood: regular walking can provide feelings of happiness and positivity due to the hormones your body releases when you exercise. It's often hard to get going but most people feel an elevation in mood and a sense of achievement after exercising.

While walking, stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed and your eyes straight ahead to ensure a good posture. Walking on concrete of pavement can be hard on your feet so it's essential to have proper footwear with good cushioning and support to offset the impact.

A treadmill can absorb shock, but its smooth surface doesn't activate as many muscles as the ground, so when using one it's recommended to have it set on a slight incline. Walking on soft surfaces like grass or sand means your leg muscles have to work harder to propel your body forward, giving you the additional benefit of an increased work.

Walking is beautifully simple. It can be done anywhere, anytime and its low impact nature means that it's kind to joints and has a very low risk of injury. With thousands of fitness options to choose from, the simplest exercise can sometimes be the best! 

THE EFFECTS OF COLD WEATHER

Thanks to the effects of cold temperatures, muscles are forced to work much harder to complete the same task they accomplish easily in mild weather.

This causes more damage to the muscle tissue and can result in increased soreness. During a workout we can all go from 0 to hero and push hard, but the safe way to train is to bring the body's temperature up slowly and loosen up the muscles before we do anything serious. Therefore, throughout the cooler months, it's important to warm up for a little longer than usual.

A good warmup also increases all over body temperature so your body can work according to its amazing integrated design.

Not only is this key for building functional, full body strength, but it's also vital for injury prevention. Try beginning your workout with light cardio exercises, like brisk walking. This will raise your temperature and ensure that oxygen and blood are sufficiently flowing throughout your body.

Properly warmed up muscles can execute exercises with proper form for better results and injuries.

Warm muscles are also more responsive. They contract and relax more quickly, allowing for better performance and range of motion.

By completing an appropriate warmup before your exercise, you succeed in helping your muscles perform better, be more resilient, generate more power and be less prone to injury. 

CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN HELP YOUR WINTER BLUES

Chiropractic care during the winter season can be a game-changer for those struggling with the seasonal blues.

The colder weather can exacerbate musculoskeletal issues, leading to stiffness and back pain. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate these symptoms by promoting spinal alignment and improving blood flow to the muscles and joints.

Additionally, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to both physical and mental well-being, making it an excellent option for those looking to boost their overall wellness during the winter months.

Chiropractic care is proven to help individuals suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) to feel better by realigning the spine and ensuring that the nervous system functions optimally throughout the colder months.

Patients receiving chiropractic care during the winter may experience benefits such as reduced pain, improved mobility, and a better mood overall.

Chiropractic techniques can also help individuals stay active during the winter months, whether it be through winter sports or regular physical activity indoors. It is essential to recognise the importance of chiropractic care during the colder months to maintain overall well-being.

Adjustments may include spinal manipulations, soft tissue therapy, and lifestyle counselling to address any other factors contributing to the winter blues.

Chiropractors may customise treatment plans for each patient based on their individual needs and goals.

Whether you are experiencing seasonal discomfort or looking to stay healthy throughout the winter season, a visit to a chiropractic centre could be just what you need to feel your best!

VISIT US

We're here to help you during the winter months, offering chiropractic care that focuses on supporting your body's natural ability to heal and thrive.

By receiving regular chiropractic adjustments throughout the winter, you can ensure that your spine and nervous system are in optimal condition, preventing any potential issues from arising. Don't let the winter season get you down – consider incorporating chiropractic treatment into your winter wellness routine for a happier, healthier you.

We’re here to help as your local chiropractor for Camira and surrounding areas. Consider booking an appointment with us by giving us a call on 07 3381 0440 or book online here: www.centenarychiro.com.au