Benjamin Franklin once said, “It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.” Certain actions that have become part of your daily routine might not seem all that “bad” to you, but can have a negative effect on your wellbeing.
When it comes to health, bad habits could lead to chronic pain or a serious medical condition. While there could be other factors at play, it’s a simple first step to address these unhealthy behaviors. Learn more about breaking your bad habits with the help of our chiropractic team!
Inconsistent Sleep Schedule
Many of us are guilty of staying up too late and looking at our screens before bed. Yet the body needs time to rest and regenerate at the end of the day. Consistency can make or break any unhealthy habit. When it comes to sleep, maintaining a regular bedtime and wakeup routine can help you develop healthier sleep patterns!
Rather than taking sleeping pills, chiropractic is a natural remedy to address the problem. A chiropractor can assess poor sleeping posture that may be placing undue stress on your spine. We can also recommend the appropriate mattress firmness for your condition.
Lack of Regular Exercise
While the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week, only about one in five people get enough exercise to maintain good health. A lack of physical activity and movement in general can result in muscle and bone weakness. When the body is weak, it becomes more susceptible to injury, especially during activity.
Exercise helps with strength, weight management and spine health. If you have a joint subluxation, a chiropractor can return your spine to normal alignment so the rest of your body can move more efficiently. We can also recommend safe activities for all ages and fitness levels!
Improper Lifting & Carrying
It’s a common mistake to lift heavy items with your back but this action can aggravate the spine. Bending at the hips to squat down and holding the load close to your waist can keep the weight out of your back.
In addition to improper lifting, carrying a bag or backpack on one shoulder can shift the spine out of normal alignment. To prevent a serious injury like a herniated disc, try not to overexert yourself when lifting and be sure to evenly distribute any weight you carry.
Poor Nutrition
Unhealthy eating habits do not fuel your body. Many healthy foods are a slow-burning source of energy, unlike processed and fried foods that can make you feel lethargic. When your body does not receive the nutrients it needs, inflammation and pain can result.
Poor nutrition can also wreak havoc on the body’s most vital systems, including the central nervous system, which houses the spine. To help patients eat better and lead an overall healthier life, we offer nutrition counseling services!
Relying on Medication
Unfortunately for many people, pain relievers are the go-to solution when you have a headache or aggravate an injury. Yet medication only dulls the pain. Ignoring the root cause can turn small problems into serious issues. A chiropractor can address your pain with natural methods, so you don’t have to rely on medication.
Mishandling Stress
While we all experience stress, you often have the power to manage it. You may not be able to change your circumstances but can find a healthy outlet to relieve stress. Consider meditation and focus on your breathing when you start to feel anxious.
An overabundance of stress hormones can lead to health problems like high blood pressure. It may also interfere with your body’s ability to heal. If you’re injured, high levels of cortisol can keep the inflamed area from recovering in a timely manner. When you’re able to identify the source of your stress – for instance, drinking too much caffeine – cut these habits out.
Not Seeing a Chiropractor
Do you put your health and wellness on the back burner to care for others? The New Year is a perfect time to break that habit! Chiropractic adjustments can give you a much-needed energy boost and improve your overall mood.
During regular visits to our office, we can address and remove vertebral restrictions, reduce pain, increase flexibility and improve immune health, so you can be the best version of you!
To learn more about the benefits of working with our team to improve your health and wellness, contact The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury today.
