Systematic Kinesiology and 5 Tips for a Healthier December
The more I practise Systematic Kinesiology, the more I come to realise that it is an approach to life, as well as a holistic therapy. What do I mean by this? I think an easy way would be to explain using an example. Take a Physical Trainer in the gym; in a standard session, they will help their clients exercise (whether that be cardio or weight training). You may choose a PT to help you work on your form, gain muscle more quickly, or do something else. Either way, there are a lot of benefits to having one when you are working out. However, it doesn’t stop there. If you are truly committed to living a healthier lifestyle, exercise is only a small part of that. You will look at other areas of your life too from your diet to sleeping patterns, from water intake to mindset. Systematic Kinesiology is the same, whether you are a practitioner or a client, the sessions open the door to healthier lifestyle choices. Systematic Kinesiology empowers you to live a healthier, happier life. With this in mind. I thought it would be fun to write my 5 top and quick tips for healthy lifestyle actions this month.
December and naughty habits
Is it me, or does December always come with naughty habits? Maybe it’s the fact that the new year (and new start) is around the corner, so it doesn't make sense to start ‘being good’ in December. The logic is, 'I might as well fall completely off the wagon before getting back on it.’ Not only this but there is chocolate, mince pies and other sugary goodies everywhere you look. Not to mention the Christmas parties and free-flowing alcohol. Let's face it, December is a time to eat, drink and be merry. However, I believe that we can do this in a balanced way. Systematic Kinesiology is a truly holistic experience and balance is the underlying theme that Systematic Kinesiology is based upon. This month, why not do all the things you love but with balance? So here it is, my top tips for trying to keep up a good balance during the month of December. Good luck and have a very merry Christmas!
Drink water, before caffeine
How many of you wake up from a night’s sleep, groggy, still tired and bleary-eyed? You shuffle out of bed, go to the loo and make your way straight to the kitchen. You reach out in a daze for the coffee machine. Caffeine. Must. Be. Drank. To. Function. So, my tip number one: don't get out a mug, get out a glass instead. Have some water first. In fact, drink more water in general. Most of us enjoy caffeine and will have it regularly but it is so important to drink water first, especially in the morning. Research shows caffeine may have a diuretic effect on the kidneys, meaning it increases the need to urinate which in turn can cause dehydration. After a long night's sleep, you are already dehydrated so it’s sensible to have some water before caffeine.
In addition, try to limit caffeine intake on a daily basis. When you consume caffeine, it passes through the gut and into the bloodstream and reaches the liver. It's broken down into several compounds that affect how organs like your brain function. Too much caffeine actually causes you to crash and energy to dip, rather than you to be more alert.
2. Liquid chlorophyll is liquid gold
If you really want to spice things up, here is my tip number 2, add some liquid chlorophyll to your water. You can purchase this here. Liquid chlorophyll is an extraction of the pigment chlorophyll, found in plants. Liquid chlorophyll can help with the following:
Helps the liver to detoxify
May aid digestion
May reduce inflammation
Regulates haemoglobin
Although the information is limited, there is evidence and literature supporting the health benefits chlorophyll might have when taken, including helping to prevent cancer. With December comes mulled wine, so why not have a glass of water before bed with liquid chlorophyll to help the liver along a little bit?
3. Fresh air
Do not underestimate the healing power of nature. Did you know that Japanese doctors urge their clients to walk in nature when they feel stressed? This health trend is called Shinrin-yoku which translates as ‘taking in the forest atmosphere. In fact, studies have found that walking in nature actually lowers blood pressure and levels of the hormone cortisol (which is released due to stress). For those of you based in Cornwall (like me), you have the benefit of an abundance of nature on your doorstep. In Falmouth, near me, there is the beautiful Gylly beach and I take great joy in walking across it whenever I have the chance. Unfortunately, for my London audience finding nature is more difficult. Although, there is the benefit of a lot of parks and open green spaces. Wherever you are this December, take some time to escape the craziness of Christmas shopping and go for a walk in nature from time to time.
4. Have a lie in - no seriously
Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed. According to Harvard Business Review, when you sleep, your brain catalogues the previous day’s experiences, primes your memory, and triggers the release of hormones regulating energy, mood, and mental acuity. To complete its work, the brain needs 7 to 8 hours of sleep. When it gets less, your concentration, creativity, mood regulation, and productivity all take a hit. The month of December tends to come hand in hand with late nights. Especially for those of you working in London, going out after work for Christmas drinks or dinners with friends. Before you know it you have gone to bed late every night for consecutive nights. This is all very well, but still, remember to catch up on those Z’s. Many of us do not realise it, but when we are sleep-deprived it is almost impossible to function properly. This is a slippery slope to feeling exhausted, down and irritated.
5. Check in with you
My last tip for December and life, in general, is to always take 5 to check in with yourself and assess how you are feeling. It sounds really simple but in reality, it is hard to do. Most of us keep ourselves busy, so we do not have time to stop and contemplate if we are happy. A lot of us are completely out of touch with how we feel. I think it’s really important to take some quiet time out for yourself daily.
Of course, there are so many other things that you can do to lead a healthy, happy life. Such as, practising meditation, journaling, taking vitamins, exercising, having a bath and eating less processed foods. The 5 tips I have suggested are by no means the be all and end all, they are just the tip of the iceberg. However, as it is Christmas and it’s the season for sharing, I thought why not share my favourite, key tips for a healthy mindset and a happy life. Remember that for many, this is a hard month. Whilst festivities are in full swing for the majority, for some this is the most difficult month of the year. For example, anyone struggling with addiction, staying sober, anyone who has lost a loved one, or has had a fallout with family members; for all of these people, the holidays can be triggering. All of these situations, if left unresolved, can cause imbalance in the body, thus causing symptoms of disease. Systematic Kinesiology is a holistic approach to healthcare in which muscle testing is used to identify any areas of imbalance in the body, which can then be healed. Please contact us if you are struggling and want to learn more.
