Anyone else feel like it’s been an emotional roller coaster these past few months?? I’ve certainly had my fair share of emotional ups and downs. I wanted to share what patterns I’ve found that have helped me stay in a more positive emotional state.
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Wow... what a crazy couple weeks it's been. I know for me it's been a roller coaster of emotions. This week seems to be getting into a routine of a new normal for now.
One emotion that many of us have been feeling is fear. I’d like to take a minute to discuss how fear affects our health. When we experience feelings of fear, anxiety and worry it engages our fight-flight response. Our body goes into protection mode. When our body is in protection mode, it has many affects on our body. Two affects that especially relevant at this time are: 1. Weakens your immune response (we certainly don’t want that) 2. Decreases cognitive function and rational thinking (hence the toilet paper craze!) Your thoughts produce your feelings. (STOP reading and process that statement.) You don’t have control of what’s going on in the world but you DO have control of how you respond. Control the controllable has been my mantra the last couple weeks. Be mindful of what media you’re consuming. Search for creditable platforms other than the news to stay informed. Otherwise watch something that makes you happy and laugh! There are 2 things I have been focusing on that have helped me create positive feelings and reduce stress. First is gratitude. The slower pace and simplicity of life has helped me to find more gratitude in my life. Continue to focus on this. If it helps, write down 5 things you’re grateful for each day. Find the small things in your day to day life until you truly feel grateful. The second is connection. Connect with yourself. Connect with nature. Connect with your loved ones. Value and be intentional with this family time. Reach out to friends and family through phone calls, texts, video call… heck, even snail mail a note! Connection with others will uplift them but it will also fill YOU up. We are here to support you during this time. Please reach out with any question or concerns. We will all get through this together! Join Dr. Emily as she explains what the most common causes of ear infections and give you natural solutions to help your child be ear infection free! It's officially fall! We even had to break out the hats and mittens for those chilly, early mornings! Fall is my favorite time of the year.
Although it's a beautiful time of the year, oftentimes people associate this time of year with "cold and flu season." Yes, it's true that typically more people to get sick in the fall and winter months. My question is, do you think there are more cold and flu bugs out this time of year? Or are there other common factors that happen this time of year that affect our body's ability to fight off the germs? We all know people who seem to get sick all the time or when they get sick, it lasts for weeks. We also know people who rarely seem to get sick. What's the difference? Generally speaking, we are all exposed to very similar germs yet some people get sick and others don't. Let's discuss some common factors that happen during "cold and flu season" that also decrease our immune function.
1. Proper nutrition
This one is huge! Start off with having a substantial breakfast which includes protein. This will help them stay full and energized for the busy school day. Ideas for easy, quick to prepare breakfasts include: hard boiled eggs, plain greek yogurt with fruit and granola, steel cut oatmeal with peanut butter and banana, or peanut butter and fruit (apple or banana) toast. Also, make sure they are having a healthy, balanced (don’t forget some veggies!) lunch and snack throughout the day! 2. Backpack safety To help minimize the stresses of carrying a backpack every day, there are two good rules of thumb to follow: 1. Wear both straps of the back over the shoulders, and have the straps tight enough so the bottom of the backpack sits right above the child’s pelvis. 2. Make sure the weight of the backpack isn’t more than 10-15% of their body weight. 3. Proper Posture Now that kids are sitting more, reading more, sitting at a computer more, and doing homework, it’s very easy for them to have develop forward head posture. This Carrying the head in this way over time puts a lot of stress on the neck and upper back. Discuss proper posture with your kids (shoulders back and head over your shoulders) and give friendly reminders too! 4. Good Sleep Routine I know we’ve had a bit of a transition with the new school schedule of waking up earlier and in turn, going to bed earlier. Make sure you are firm and consistent with the best bed time that works for your kids. School aged kids are recommended to get 9-11 hours of sleep each day. 5. Healthy Spine and Nervous System Last but not least, of course we are always promoting a healthy spine and nervous system through routine chiropractic care. Many of our parents comment that when their kids are well adjusted that they sleep better, have more regular digestion, and don’t get sick as often… now what family doesn’t want that! |
AuthorDr. Emily Hauck is a chiropractor, a mom and a runner in Hastings, MN. CategoriesArchives
October 2020
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