It’s a new year! Hands up all those who always make the same resolutions, but fail to follow through on their personal promises for more than a couple of weeks in January.
Yes, 2021 was a crazy year but now is the time to put those topsy-turvy 12 months behind us and look forward positively. There are so many things in life that we can’t control, so let’s focus on the things we’re able to keep a handle on.
Every year, I reflect on my strengths and weaknesses. It’s a chance to remind myself of good life choices so, first and foremost, that means looking at the basics. The work/life balance… the exercise I’m doing… my sleep pattern… the food I eat and my alcohol consumption.
Like most people, especially around this time of year, I could certainly make improvements in all these very important areas. Since the start of the pandemic, I have definitely reviewed my work/life balance and I now have more dedicated family and hobby time.
I took up golf last year and, in November, began having guitar lessons. My family would probably tell a painful tale of how they listened to me learning how to play Silent Night and the first four bars of Wonderwall by Oasis. But I thank my teacher Franciso for his patience with me – I promise to keep it up!
I’ve been having a battle with sleep patterns since stressing over exams at university. Now I’m probably at my best when I go to bed half-an-hour early, at the same time each night, to read a book. I think the worst things for sleep are late evening Zoom meetings and drinking alcohol.
I do enjoy a glass of French red wine while having dinner or watching a film at weekends but I always take the New Year as an opportunity to go alcohol free for a month or two and give my liver a rest!
So what about exercise? During the last few months, I’ve got my fix by going to the gym. To see real results, it’s important to make this a regular habit and I’ve also increased the amount of chiropractic treatment I’m having. I find chiropractic and massage vital to keep aches and pains at bay, as well as aiding recovery and performance.
So if you’re thinking of marking the New Year with a bit of a fresh start, maybe consider these core lifestyle areas. Of course, don’t forget to look after yourself with some regular chiropractic care or treatment for any mechanical niggles before they blow up into something more serious. If you have pain that irritates you, come and see us. Every day patients say the same thing… “I didn’t know you could help with that…”
On a different subject, what about a change of career to chiropractic in 2022? Luke, our sports therapist, has just started his Chiropractic Master conversion which takes only two years. He is doing really well and enjoying every moment. As a little bonus, he comes home every weekend and does sports massage and therapy for us on Saturdays.
Anyone over 18 can study for a regular chiropractic qualification, which takes four or five years to complete, at universities in South Wales, Bournemouth and London – there’s also a new course in Teesside. The good news for anyone starting out is that there’s currently a huge shortage of chiropractors so you’re almost certain to get a job soon after graduation. Successful students have the chance to spend an incredibly rewarding life helping people out of pain.
If you’re interested in a career in chiropractic, have a look at the British Chiropractic Association website at https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk and/or email me, or have a chat with one of the team when you come in for a treatment.
We’ll be more than happy to help you out.
Photo by Andreas Dress on Unsplash
