1 Simple Habit to Help With The COVID Blues
COVID has had an enormous impact on our routines, habits, and lifestyles. No one is immune to the effects of constant uncertainty, change in working environments, and the numerous restrictions that we’ve endured since last March.
Since the start of this pandemic, I’ve been seeing a trend in my patients in Kanata, Centretown, and Westboro. More and more, Ottawa seems to be suffering from the effects of prolonged sitting, poor workplace setups, closed gyms, and extra Netflix. Muscle tension, joint stiffness, and spine pain have been commonplace amongst even the most health-conscious of my patients.
Just a heads up, if you’re worried about pain or are experiencing persistent discomfort, I highly recommend seeking treatment from a qualified chiropractor, physiotherapist, or doctor before trying to self-diagnose or treat.
The goal of this blog is to let you know that you’re not alone, and there is something that you can do to feel better while working, playing, and relaxing - even during a pandemic.
According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, physical activity levels have fallen by about 30% since the beginning of the pandemic. This reduction in physical activity has had an enormous impact on musculoskeletal pain. For most of us, it’s the small things that have changed the most. It’s no longer easy to take a stroll out from the office for coffee, walk the kids to school, or get in a quick workout at the gym on the way home.
We know that numerous international guidelines for treating pain recommend exercise as one of the most valuable tools. If you’re having back pain or joint stiffness, perhaps a lack of movement could be to blame for your issues as well. You’re welcome to check out my Instagram page @spineottawa for tips and ideas to help you keep moving.
The Canadian guidelines for adult activity recommend about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week and two bouts of resistance training. Moderate physical activity can include walking, skiing, skating, stairs, and basically anything else that gets you up and moving. The best thing is that every little bit counts - even if you get 5 minutes here or there, it all adds up and helps with your health.
A strategy that many of my patients who work-from-home have adopted is to mimic their commute. In the morning they’ll get up and walk 15-30 minutes before the workday starts, and at the end of the workday, they’ll clear up their workstation (or kitchen table) and head out the door for another 15-30 minute walk. Not only does this signal the beginning and end of the workday, which is helpful for mental health, but it also adds up to a quick and easy 30-60 minutes of physical activity daily.
For more tips on how to stay active and deal with the aches and pains of daily living, check out @spineottawa or get in touch. I offer modern chiropractic care in Westboro and Centretown and also offer convenient and safe housecall appointments in Kanata.
