Self-Care September
September sees the start of the final 4 months of this year. In nature it is a time of seasonal change, making it the perfect month to reset your self-care habits and find time to set some healthy routines before the year is out. With children heading back to school, workloads changing, and the year steadily drawing to a close, it's easy to let self-care slip down the priority list. However, this is precisely when self-care becomes most essential. "Self-Care September" is a reminder to intentionally carve out time for your physical and mental well-being, ensuring you stay balanced, healthy, and resilient.
If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won’t have to hear it when it screams.
You can’t give to others if you do not give to yourself. A tree that refuses water and sunlight for itself, cannot bear fruit for others.
Physiotherapy:
Physical self-care is a critical component of overall well-being, and for many, this starts with addressing any physical discomfort or pain that may have developed over the summer months. Whether it's from increased physical activity, long periods of travel, or simply the wear and tear of school summer holidays, your body may need some extra attention.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in self-care, particularly in addressing issues such as pain, muscle tension, and joint stiffness. A physiotherapist can assess you, provide targeted exercises, and offer manual therapy, acupuncture or dry needling, soft tissue work, and advice and education to help alleviate pain and improve your overall wellbeing. Regular physiotherapy sessions can also prevent potential injuries by strengthening weak areas, which is especially important as you get back into your routine.
Massage:
Massage therapy is another excellent tool for self-care, offering both physical and mental benefits. As stress levels rise, so does muscle tension, often leading to discomfort and pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. Regular massages can help to relieve this tension, promote circulation, and improve flexibility.
Beyond the physical benefits, massage therapy also offers profound mental health advantages. It can reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and even improve sleep quality. Where stress can easily mount, incorporating regular massages into your routine can be a powerful way to stay grounded and relaxed.
Mental Well-being:
To support mental well-being, it's important to establish a routine that includes time for relaxation and mindfulness. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling can help manage stress and maintain a positive outlook. Additionally, making time for hobbies and social activities can provide a much-needed break from the demands of the school year.
Headspace or Calm apps
Journaling
Taking some time to reflect on what you have achieved so far this year with a partner/friends
Discussing what you have enjoyed today with your children at dinner, and asking them to contribute
Yoga
Being mindful of how we talk to ourselves in our head – we are after all, the voice we hear most often
How we can help:
Massage with our wonderful massage therapists.
Yoga sessions with the lovely Rebecca Brown, starting on Monday 9th September.
Monday evenings 6.30 - 7.30pm, and Thursday mornings 9 – 10am. £15 for a drop in session, or £60 for 6 sessions when paid upfront.
Please email us for more details.
Pilates Classes with STOTT qualified Claire Chambers, Friday mornings 9 - 10am.
Our Challenge to You…
Get off the treadmill of life; going to bed late, getting up early, cramming your day with work, squeezing in a workout, filling your free time with plans so you do not waste time, always being the yes man – it is time to take a breather!
Pick something that is specific, measurable, realistic and achievable, and aim to complete it by the end of this month.
Our examples:
· You want to walk 10,000 steps a day, make it 70,000 steps per week – you can afford a few lazier days and a big walk at the weekend when you have more time
· You want to sleep 8 hours a night, make it 56 hours for the week – afford a few extra hours at the weekend, or factor in some day time naps to make up for it this month.
· You want to get more active – sign up for our 6 pack of yoga classes and commit to one per week for the next 6 weeks.
· Book a massage once a week for the next 2 weeks – an hour to set aside JUST FOR YOU.
· Get out for a walk without a phone, or at least put it on airplane mode.
· Sit down and write a good old-fashioned letter to someone.