Physical activity and relaxation hold important places in a holistic approach to health management. Use it to find a new sense of well-being and inner peace.
Try to set aside 10 or 15 minutes a day, which is 'Me Time' or 'White Space' in your daily schedule.
| This is because: - small increases in activity (and fitness) can lead to large improvements in quality of life
- relaxation allows energy to flow more freely and our minds and bodies to function more efficiently
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Try any activities with which you feel comfortable and which will gently raise your body temperature. The most popular are walking, yoga, massage, and Tai Chi but even having a spa or bath with time to collect your thoughts can help you relax.
Physical activity increases energy production by delivering more oxygen to the muscles, which reduces fatigue. So after any activity you should feel more energetic and invigorated.
Adopting a variety of activities is beneficial in order to reduce the risk of injury, and prevents local muscular fatigue, which results from highly repetitive actions. It also prevents a sense of monotony or boredom and allows you to design your own holistic programme catering for all aspects of your health, not just the physical. Relaxation helps achieve the full benefits of activity.
Relaxation enhances the benefits of physical activity and helps us cope more effectively with the stress of everyday life.
Relaxation is a vital life skill. It should not be confused with a state of laziness. Whilst some people can relax without difficulty, others need to be taught how to relax. All of us need to learn how to recognise the need for relaxation before it is too late.
| For example, to find out if you are stressed check to see if you answer yes to any of the following: - tight shoulders
- clenched teeth &/or jaw
- problems sleeping
- fingers clenched
- foot tapping
- held or shallow breathing
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Why not sit or lie down on your back, and working up from your toes, clench your muscles for 5 seconds then relax. Keep going until you reach your facial muscles. This should take a few minutes and leave you feeling totally relaxed.
| Remember to: - breathe naturally and rhythmically throughout any activity
- rise slowly from any position on the floor
- move from lying to sitting and slowly stretch before getting to your feet.
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Tai Chi
Tai Chi is the ancient Chinese exercise for the mind, body and soul.
| It may improve your health by helping you to: - find a new sense of well-being and inner peace
- improve your posture and circulation
- learn how to relax and relieve stress
- enhance your powers of concentration
- increase your self-confidence
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Pilates
Pilates involves many different complementary exercise techniques and works on the principle of concentration and coordination. It also stresses that exercise must evolve to keep pace with the body as it changes.
| It may help improve your mental and physical health by: - making you stop and think about what you are doing
- focusing your mind
- regulating your breathing
- correcting bad posture
- reducing the risk of injury because it is low impact
- preventing injuries arising from poor posture
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Yoga
Many different types of Yoga exist. Some are more dynamic than others. All are based on the principles of breathing techniques, stretching, and posture.
| Yoga may help to enhance your quality of life by: - gradually building muscular strength without bulk
- relieving tension in your muscles
- improving your cognitive skills such as concentration
- helping you develop a sense of harmony
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If none of these suits you then why not simply try to increase any daily physical activity with your friends and family by going walking, dancing or bowling. You could even treat yourself to a massage or to some aromatherapy or reflexology.
Remember that as your health is based on many physical, mental and social aspects, it is important that you participate in a variety of activities that will help improve each component. Dont simply focus on your physical health.
02/06/2009