Yesterday I met someone at the gym who, despite trying her best to keep fit was clearly looking uncomfortable in her own body. After our respective workouts, we spoke and I told her I was a chiropractor and that I could probably help her considerably.
We had a healthy discussion, but what was interesting was the question she asked me. She said that she was sick of just masking the pain and asked how she could really start to heal based on my experience. I gave her my answer but then thought more deeply about it. Here are my six steps to get back on the path towards health.
Six Immediate Steps to Health
1. Start to really listen To Your Body
Tune into your own body and learn to understand what it is telling you. You are unique with a make-up that is unique to you. If you have pain, OWN IT and ask yourself what is it telling you and what about other changes you may have noticed? Do you think you’re moving towards health and vitality or disease and degeneration? These really are important questions if you are to take care of yourself. Start by resting when you feel tired, eating when you feel hungry, and saying “enough” when you have reached your limits. Most importantly, take the time to do the things that are important for your health.
2. Say “NO” Whenever Necessary
Break the ‘people-pleasing’ habit when it is detrimental to your own wellbeing. You will find it very empowering. It is not selfish to take care of yourself first. It is a necessity. You cannot give from an empty cup. Speak up for yourself more often. Set realistic limits and boundaries for yourself and stick to them. Don’t fall for guilt trips that lead you to agree to things that are too much for you to handle. If someone tries to lead you astray from your good habits say….” not now, I’m busy looking after myself.” If they are a true friend, they will, of course, respect your wishes
3. Let Go Of What’s Not Working
This means unhealthy relationships, stressful jobs or repressed emotions. These things upset your emotional stability. Your healing begins when you let go of the situations and feelings that no longer serve your life in a healthy manner. When you let go, you begin the process of allowing positive and fulfilling situations to enter your life, such as positive people, healthy relationships and better opportunities
4. Accept Yourself And Work With What You’ve Got
Part of the process of creating health is accepting the uniqueness of yourself. Everyone is different with differing traits and genetics. We all have our challenges and weaknesses, but at the same time, we all have our strengths. Loving who you are is a very powerful method for healing and health. It’s all about getting the most out of whatever you have right now.
5. Say “YES” to Feeling Good
Start believing in the possibilities of good health. Remember, health is our natural state and only disappears when it is overwhelmed by lifestyle choices. Don’t fall prey to the myths and traps associated with aging; learn to live with growing older. Harness the gift of education and learn more about healing and building better health. Start by working on the Pillars of Health and make a few simple rules for each to live by. What are the Pillars of Health? The big one is having a positive outlook as without this you won’t get anything done. Next, exercise and nutrition (these are the obvious two), then quality sleep and minimizing stress, and finally structural alignment and a healthy nervous system. It sounds like an awful lot to think about, but not really. Just take small steps and keep going!
6. Get A Chiropractic Adjustment
Give your body the best chance of healing. Chiropractic care is a health care approach based upon the body’s natural ability to heal itself and is a very important step in a commitment to optimal health. A chiropractic adjustment is the quickest and most effective way to release stress from your nervous system. Removing the interference from your nervous system gives your body the ability to heal and regulate itself at its optimal level.