Learning to Chillax

As a parent, I don't usually get much of a chance to sit down and relax. My day is usually busy at work, running back at forth to pick up or drop off my kids at school, plus tackling the never ending mountainous volume of household chores. 

The thought of sitting down, chillaxing in front of a screen for several hours on end, whilst stuffing my face with whatever salt or sugary delights I can scavenge, is heaven... Or so I thought!

​Little did I know, that sitting down for long periods, can actually put a strain on the body and therefore be a great contributor to a number of different health problems including back pain, plus many other ailments. 

​Therefore, it is important to keep mobile all throughout the day. Well... I think I'm already on to a winner!!!

Life's Pressures

Since the lock down, it has been exceptionally hard trying to maintain a good enough balance. Both my children's work and mine, has meant that time spent, gazing into screen has quadrupled.

My children do not seem to notice, but I certainly do notice how stiff and achy I feel, after sitting down for long periods in front of a screen.

Despite trying to include regular breaks into our daily routine, both my children and I also started to suffer from blurry vision, headaches, irritability, getting upset more easily. Other health issues can also include, nausea and mood swings.

The strain put on our eyes, looking intently at a screen is phenomenal. The eyes are said to be, at their most relaxed when looking into the distance, and come under pressure when looking close up. 

Like every other muscle in the body, the eyes and brain are no different - they need regular exercise too. 

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Take the 'B' word out of exercise!

More and more studies are highlighting just how important exercise is for everyone both young and old.

Imagine, every ten years the human skeleton is said to regenerate itself. Since bone is a living tissue that responds well to exercise, it is important to get up and get moving! 

Exercise does not have to be boring. You can make it as fun as you want e.g. dancing, jumping, hopping, skipping, running and chasing, absolutely anything to help build denser bones, thus lessening the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis. 

NB. If required, check with your doctor first, before starting an exercise regime.

Building Self-esteem

When I was younger, I was somehow led to believe that our mind and body are separate entities. When in fact, the mind is part of the body! They work hand-in-hand as one and we definitely cannot survive, one without the other.

Exercise is such an important tool in helping to maintain our mental health and well-being.

Combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, the positive impact exercise has on our mental health and well-being is mind-blowing.

Exercise is said to help reduce anxiety, negative mood, depression, as well as improve self-esteem cognitive function and even social withdrawal.

So, what are you waiting for? Get off that couch and out having fun!