Health, Wellness, and Self Care in 2021
After a year like 2020, many of us might have difficulties making a New Year’s Resolution. Months of being in “survival mode,” makes it hard to find the energy needed to commit to new goals but, perhaps, goals are exactly what we need right now. Taking care of, and working on, ourselves is the best way to ensure we’ll have the gusto and wherewithal needed to take on whatever life throws at us in 2021. So, while we collectively hope for positive things to come, here is a list of self-care activities/treatments (and their associated benefits) that might help you feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle your goals in the new year.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine that inserts tiny needles into specific points on the body to improve Qi (pronounced “chee” and means energy flow). Here is a Johns Hopkins article listing some of the conditions treated with acupuncture. Here are some nearby acupuncturists.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care may not be appropriate for everyone, however, for patients who don’t have contraindicated ailments, chiropractic care can alleviate back, neck and joint pain and improve posture, biomechanics and range of motion. Learn more about chiropractic care in this Harvard Health Publishing article. Here are some nearby Chiropractors.
Cardio
This Cleveland Clinic article discusses how cardio workouts can positively impact your brain, joints, skin, muscles, weight, organs, blood, sexual function, mood, sleep and energy. In addition to swimming, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, skating, walking, running, and biking, you can get a great cardio workout at these local fitness facilities. Check out the neighborhood trails in this post by Amy Atkinson.
Floating
Experience sensory deprivation while floating weightless in a shallow pool full of magnesium. If you’ve never heard of floating, read all about it in this post on the Central Park Scoop. Book an appointment at one of these float studios.
Group Fitness
According to this Active.com article, people choose group fitness classes for increased motivation, structure, variety, accountability and fun. I would add friendship and camaraderie to the list. When your time is limited, group fitness classes are a great way to get a healthy dose of exercise and connection at the same time. Here are some local fitness facilities offering group fitness classes.
IV Therapy
IV Therapy can be medically prescribed for select patients struggling with vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Other people seek out IV Therapy for instant hydration and vitamin boosts. Read more in this health.com article. Here are some local IV Therapy Locations. You can learn more about two neighborhood options, Boost Hydration Bar in this post and Revive here.
Massage
Not only does massage help you relax and feel good, the mayoclinic.org states massage can improve anxiety, digestion, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, myofascial pain, soft tissue strains, sports injuries, TMJ, and more. Book a massage at these local businesses.
Meditation
Meditation can improve your emotional well-being and help manage anxiety, asthma, chronic pain, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, IBS, sleep problems and tension headaches. Read more about meditation in this mayoclinic.org article. You can practice meditation anytime and anywhere but if you need help getting started, try one of the apps recommended in this womenshealthmag.com article or check out these local meditation centers.
Strength Training
We all know weight training increases strength and muscle mass, but did you know there are immense health benefits that have nothing to do with muscle size? In this health.usnews.com article you can learn how strength training can lower abdominal and visceral fat, improve cardio, control blood sugar, reduce cancer and injury risk, improve mental health, flexibility and body image, prevent osteoporosis, boost brain health and increase life span. These local businesses offer various types of strength training.
Therapy/Counseling
This healthline.com article discusses different types of therapy and how they can help. Find a therapist/counselor through sondermind.com or try one of these neighborhood therapists/counselors. Overall benefits of therapy/counseling include:
- Exploring thoughts, feelings and emotions without judgement
- Developing coping strategies for difficult situations
- Practicing self-reflection and awareness
- Working on habits you’d like to change or addictions you need to kick
- Improving, understanding and communicating about relationships
Yoga/Pilates
This Johns Hopkins Article discusses the benefits of yoga: strength, balance, flexibility, heart health, increased energy, improved mood and stress reduction. Read about the benefits of Pilates in this time.com article. You can practice yoga and Pilates anywhere, but if you prefer a studio setting, try a class at one of these local businesses.
You can find additional fitness studios (and more) in this post. (Please note, we are in the process of updating this info and will update the link soon)
These health and wellness activities/treatments/therapies will hopefully get us feeling better physically and mentally in the new year. When we feel good, we’re better equipped to tackle goals, resolutions, and anything 2021 has in store for us. While 2020 sucked for millions of people (that’s right… I said sucked… not exactly poetic but not inaccurate either), perhaps 2020 helped reveal areas in which we can improve. We can ask ourselves “how well did I handle hurdles and setbacks? Was I stressed? Did I have healthy coping strategies? How are my relationships?” Rather than beat ourselves up about things we could’ve handled better, let’s set goals and resolve to do it better in 2021. The list of potential resolutions is endless; go to bed earlier, spend less time on our phones and more time with family, drink more water, call mom/dad more often, work on spiritual growth, stop procrastinating, practice patience, find joy in small things, connect with people, etcetera. Whatever goals you set for yourself, remember to celebrate successes big and small, learn from mistakes and setbacks and keep moving forward because progress is better than perfection. Cheers and Happy New Year to you all!
Photo Credits:
Featured Image: Pinterest.com, Accupuncture Photo: premierhealth.com, Chiropractic Photo: better-chiropractic.com, Floating Photo: vivfloatstudio.com, IV Therapy Photo: denverphysicalmedicine.com, Massage Therapy Photo: bluecreekhealth.com, Meditation Photo: npr.org, Strength Training Photo: bostonmagazine.com, Therapy/Mental Health Photo: thrivetherapyphx.com, Yoga Photo: bladiumdenver.com
