Valentine’s Day… Always focuses on the couples, the chocolates, the flowers and the teddy bears; but it’s a time to celebrate love and self-care which could look like many things.
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, whether it be the love we share with our significant others, friends, or family (and in my case my beloved pets!) But this holiday can also be a reminder to love and care for ourselves, particularly when it comes to our physical and mental health.
I’m as guilty as the next person of neglecting myself. I spend all day in clinic looking after people, I go home and I make sure my notes are correct, GP letters are written, rehab programmes are emailed out, that my marketing is reaching as many people as possible so I can help them, I look after my pets and my wonderful Harry who really deserves more of my time, I care for my friends and familys wellbeing. Then I go to bed and repeat that cycle until I’m exhausted (a cycle I have been semi-successfully breaking!)
We all need a nudge sometimes to remind us to slow down, look after number one for a bit, avoid burnout so we can be and feel our best so consider this your reminder to do just that. Need motivation?
5 Reasons Why We Need to Practice Self-Care:
- Improved Mental Health – Loving and taking care of ourselves can have a positive impact on our mental health and overall well-being. It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increase feelings of happiness and self-esteem.
- Better Physical Health – Taking care of our physical health by eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help us maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve our brain function and memory.
- Increased Energy and Productivity – Taking care of ourselves can give us more energy and increase our ability to focus and be productive. This can lead to greater success and satisfaction in both our personal and professional lives.
- Improved Relationships – When we love and care for ourselves, we are better able to love and care for others. This can lead to stronger and more fulfilling relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners.
- Improved Resilience – Taking care of ourselves helps us to be more resilient and better equipped to handle stress and challenges. This can lead to a greater sense of self-awareness and the ability to navigate difficult situations with greater ease and confidence.
How Can Osteopathy Help?
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare, meaning it’s not just about “the bit that hurts”. There is a large emphasis on the importance of self-care and the role it plays in maintaining overall health and wellness. The principles of osteopathy recognise the interconnections between the body’s various systems, but also how our lifestyle and other outside factors connect, too. This is taught as the ‘biopsychosocial’ approach and it guides osteopaths to consider all facets of a patients life which may be having an impact.
One of the key aspects of osteopathy is the importance of self-care. This is why you will regularly find me preaching to my patients about taking an active role in their health and wellness by making lifestyle changes. These simple steps, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity can have a big impact on our physical and mental health, and can help us feel more confident, energetic, and positive.
You know all this but it’s not that simple? I hear you.
I prefer my approach to be far more specific, and this is the beauty in osteopathy. I’ve designed the appointments at Wisbey Osteopathy to allow us to delve deeper into why you might find some of these tasks difficult and how we can find ways to make small changes together. Sometimes I’m finding the trick to taking more breaks from sitting at a desk, sometimes I’m telling you it’s time to book a spa day!
Of course the manual therapy side of osteopathy has it’s place, too. Helping to improve mobility and reduce pain can have a profound effect on mood, energy and physical wellness.
So this Valentine’s season, why not take some time to show yourself some love and care? Whether it’s taking a long bath, getting a massage, or simply taking a walk in nature, there are many ways to prioritise self-care. And for those dealing with chronic pain or other health issues, seeking out the services of an osteopathic practitioner (hellooooo!) can be a great way to receive targeted care and support. Let me help you find ways to experience greater happiness and joy in your daily life so you can be the best version of you.
Wisbey Osteopathy 