In our technological age, mental activity dominates our days. Physical activity often feels like a challenging chore to squeeze into our packed schedules. This imbalance between mental and physical has only grown in the last year with our shift to virtual events due to the pandemic. We spend so much time “in our head” and on our screens –working, learning, socializing, worrying. We end up with a dulled awareness of our physical body. The body sends warning signs to reawaken our senses and rouse us from a state of self-neglect. Pain, weight gain, anxiety or myriad of other symptoms unique to you may be a wake-up call from your body to start paying attention!
As a naturopathic doctor, I work with people on reconnecting with their bodies to experience physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. One of the tools I use to help refresh this mind-body connection is naturopathic bodywork, also known as physical medicine. Bodywork techniques include in office treatments such as massage, naturopathic manipulation (similar but distinct from chiropractic adjustments), and applications of hot/cold (hydrotherapy). Even more importantly bodywork involves self-care activities to be incorporated into daily and weekly rhythms. Exercise, stretching, yoga, mindfulness practices, and breathing techniques are all powerful ways to tend to your physical needs on your own time.
Are you feeling disconnected from or unwell in your body? This does not have to be your norm! I know you can feel more at ease in your own skin. Reach out if you would like my support with this process. I offer bodywork only appointments and incorporate bodywork into my comprehensive naturopathic consultations for those in the Portland area. Need to connect with me virtually because of long-distance or social-distancing concerns? Not a problem! All of the self-care bodywork strategies still apply, and we will take time in your visit to start practicing them.
Some ideas to get you started*…
MOVE. Especially if you work on your screen, move every hour for at least a minute. Get creative and find what works for you! Jumping jacks in place, pace the hall, reach for the sky then touch your toes 10 times…
GET OUT. Go outside every day, for at least 15 minutes…ideally 30 minutes to an hour or longer! Bad weather? Well make it 5 minutes. I live in rainy Portland, Oregon so rain is no excuse, friends!
BREATHE. There are many useful breathing exercises out there. A good start to deeper breathing can be as simple as just taking 1 minute to pay attention to your breathing. You may discover that you are holding your breath more often than you realize.
UNPLUG. Power off your screens and do something in the physical world. Read a book (on paper!), play a board game, do a craft, go for a walk, or even just fold some laundry…
DANCE. Put on a fun song and dance like no one’s watching…or better yet get your family or roommates involved for an impromptu dance party. Spontaneous, creative movement can work wonders.
*These are pretty simple, but do check in with a trusted health provider first if you have a health condition, are unsure what kind of bodywork/movement is right for you, or if any of these practices trigger any symptoms.
So what are you waiting for? Put down that screen and give your body some love!