“Do as I say, not as I do”. As both a parent and a health practitioner, I’m well aware that these words don’t pass much muster. And this is especially true when the words are coming from someone who we are supposed to trust. As a fellow human, I recognize that the struggle is real to set new habits, and even worse, to slice out even more time from a packed schedule to take time for self-care. As an acupuncturist, I know that I’d be remiss to not share with you what my training has told me to be true (“don’t eat dairy” anyone?). In my relationships with patients, a big goal is for communication is to facilitate a deeper sense of connection and trust. So how exactly does it pan out navigating these two realities, and making sure I’m not eating my words?
It all narrows down to trying my best to follow my own advice (and the advice of my health care practitioners) in the simplest and most accessible ways possible. Being in the natural health field, I’m lucky that I’m completely embedded in a community that prioritizes self care, and provides avenues to make it happen. But even then the struggle can be real to implement and model the advice I impart. To put a little money where my mouth is, as well as to hopefully gives some ideas that you can try out as well, I wanted to share a few small things I do each day (or week) that help me stay healthy… AND help me to feel authentic when I make the requests from you in the treatment room, as part of your care plan.
Take some time for gratitude each morning
With a 14 month old on my hands, some days, this is literally as short as 30 seconds in between breakfast and taking a shower, but no matter the length, I try and make sure that the time I spend feels focused and authentic.
Getting regular treatment
I think you’ll find that most alternative medicine practitioners came into their field after being blown away by the power of the medicine in their own lives. I definitely fall into this camp, and right now, I receive acupuncture, reiki, and chiropractic at least monthly. I can absolutely vouch for the fact that leaning on the incredible practitioners in our community has gotten me through pregnancy, chasing a toddler around, and recovering from a few injuries with the best possible outcomes and the added benefit of feeling like I have multiple cheerleaders on my team.
Minimize processed foods, dairy, and sugar, especially when I’m sick
Resetting our tastebuds can feel daunting, but over time, it truly is possible to retrain yourself to not crave stuff that doesn’t serve your health. In the meantime, try to at the very least tune in to when your are feeling run down, and prioritize feeding yourself the best foods during those times. This has been the way I’ve been able to get through the crazy stage of raising a baby, feeling more frantic, and falling into less desirable habits of eating easy and convenient foods.
Stretch and breathe
Making it out for a run or settling in to a regular yoga class can feel like an easy opportunity to recite a list of the reasons why not to. After having my youngest, I went from making it to hot yoga classes seven days per week, to none at all. In the midst of a long day, when I’m wondering why I’m feeling so run down, I remember the power of a simple moment for stretching or one deep breath. My favorite stretch for both mental and physical reset is a simple hands to toes stretch while standing. I make sure to keep a deep bend in my knees and completely relax my neck. I let myself hang out, take some breaths, and maybe sway gently side to side. When I’m done, I let myself roll up my spine, sequentially, one vertebra at a time. This can take all of 30 seconds, and when I’m done, I find that my back feels more released, my legs have gotten a good stretch, my senses feel enlivened from the increased blood flow to my head, and usually my sinuses are even cleared from giving my sinuses a chance to release and flow.