Let’s face it: We all do our best to take care of ourselves while also taking care of our kids, our aging parents, work, home and other responsibilities. While the latest magazine headlines tout that we only need to dedicate a few minutes to ourselves each day for our mental and physical health, many of us find even that to be challenging.
So where can we start? Jennifer Cordova, manager of the Sewall Health Living Center at Sharp Coronado Hospital, offers a few tips to get you started.
Practice yoga and meditation
Those who practice yoga or meditation say it brings a sense of calm and balance to their day. “Yoga has been around for thousands of years and is perfect for any person at any age,” said Cynthia Mendolia, personal trainer and yoga instructor at the Sewall Healthy Living Center. “Yoga is a great way to improve flexibility and tone muscles while leaving the practitioner refreshed and renewed.”
Meditation can be done practically anywhere and can be a quick way to mentally unplug from the craziness of the day. Try finding a quiet place and practice simple breathing techniques to help release any tightness and tension you may be holding in your body.
Mendolia suggests a good starting point is the use of guided meditation apps or videos for beginners looking for a starting place.
Make time for exercise or a brisk walk
Get outside and go for a walk. Grab a leash and walk your favorite four-legged friend or put the kids (or grandkids) into a stroller or wagon and enjoy the great outdoors. Enlist a friend to join you too – having a workout buddy provides more healthful benefits for your heart and soul, plus makes it more fun for everyone involved.
Try integrative spa therapies
Integrative therapies such as massage, acupuncture and the use of a sauna, such as the therapies available at the Sewall Healthy Living Center, can alleviate stress, manage physical health symptoms, and reduce pain and anxiety. Used on their own or along with traditional medical treatment, these therapies can also promote well-being and bring balance to your emotional, mental and physical health.
Sample essential oils
Powerful plant extracts such as lavender and eucalyptus can ease tension and promote calmness in your day. Add some drops to a warm bath at the end of a long day or put a few drops into a diffuser at night to help you sleep. (Just don’t ingest them internally and do remember to keep them away from children.) With proper use of essential oils, you can support both your emotional and physical well-being.
Eat a healthful diet
What you consume each day can have a lot to do with your overall health. By choosing healthy options and opting toward meals filled with vegetables, fruit, heart-healthy grains and lean protein — like the foods offered at Sharp Coronado’s Mindful Café — can help keep your energy level optimized, your waistline manageable and your health in tip-top shape.
Join Us! Women’s Day of Wellness
Join us for a free community event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 at Sharp Coronado Hospital. Women will learn ways to enhance their wellness and live their healthiest life. Free health screenings, nutritious cooking demonstrations, yoga, meditation, spa therapy sessions and more will be offered throughout the event. To register, visit sharp.com/dayofwellness or call 1-800-82-SHARP.
