Plan to Thrive; My Wellbeing

Choosing THRIVE as my word of the year is all-encompassing. It includes my health and wellbeing, which is what I wanted to share with you today.

Last year I shared the supplements that I take, but I want to share some things I’ve tried so far this year too.

Foam roller/massage

Using a foam roller is a form of self-massage. Last year I managed to strain my groin, but getting a diagnosis took ages. Everyone I saw thought it was my hip, as that where my pain felt like it was coming from. I had x-rays and even an MRI. Eventually, they said they could try steroid injections. Something I really didn’t fancy, especially as they’d need to x-ray every time they wanted to inject… So I found a holistic sports physio, not far from where I live. She diagnosed the groin strain. Then I had a few rather strange and at times almost unbearably deep groin massages. I’ve also learned that I tense my bum muscles a lot (glutes), the foam roller helps release big knots in these huge muscles. Low and behold I have bigger/deeper knots in my right buttock and it was the right hip/groin that was giving me the pain. It feels great to be able to manage this myself now.

Reflexology

This is something that has been on my list for a while so when Hannah Tappenden got in touch I jumped at the chance to try it. (full disclosure, I had treatment in exchange for an online review). I had a home visit, and Hannah questioned me thoroughly about what I wanted to get from the treatment and my medical history. We discussed my endometriosis, cycle and PMS, as well as my hip/groin issue mentioned above. The reflexology itself was relaxing and at moments, rather strange. There were times when I could really feel the parts of the body Hannah was working without her telling me beforehand. Really impressed by this. I found it fascinating and hope to have more treatments in the future.

Magnesium Baths

Oh my goodness, I don’t know why I waited so long to try these. I’m a total convert. After my first one, I felt totally blissed out, a bit giddy even. And my eczema prone skin was so soft. If you’re a bath rather than shower person then I really recommend you try adding magnesium salts to your bathing routine.

Yoga

My Iyengar yoga practice dropped off a little last year due to my groin issue. I have to admit that this really annoyed me. It was frustrating not to have the routine or the endorphins afterwards. What I’ve learnt from this time away though is that sometimes I should take the pressure off myself. I should listen to my body more. I’ve done a bit at home via YouTube (the brilliant yoga with Adriene) but nothing is quite as good as being in a class with a teacher who knows you. Read more about my yoga practice here.

Friends

I’m including friends in this wellbeing list as I think they are so important. Surrounding yourself with people who listen with judgement and are able to lift you up is priceless. Knowing that I can get a quick bit of advice within a few moments of pinging off a text is so valuable to me.

SAD lamp

As well as taking vitamin D from about October I have got a SAD lamp. Something I put on my Christmas list! In January and early February, I’ve been sitting with it next to me as I’ve been working at my laptop. I really do think it has helped me this year. I’ve already shared this in my newsletter but this is the one I’ve got. I don’t feel half as glum as I sometimes do in the Winter months.

What have you done to help your wellbeing recently?