The foundation of health starts with a healthy nervous system that can adapt and respond appropriately to its environment, and thats why this is our main focus here at Elevate chiropractic.
A correctly functioning nervous system allows your body to shift from the sympathetic “fight or flight” system when stressed or in danger to the parasympathetic “rest and digest” system when that danger has passed.
Unfortunately living in the modern world, we are overstimulated with social media, notifications and requests that keep us doom scrolling more than ever. There’s always something trying to get your attention and keeping us in the stressed state.
When we get adjusted it helps bring balance back to our body, from that heightened stressed state to the parasympathetic state where our body can repair and recover from life’s stresses.
But what else can we do?
Beyond having a body thats moving well and healthy nervous system there are many things we can be doing to help us attain and maintain health.
The 4 Pillars of health we focus on here at Elevate are:
1. Movement
Movement is life – we only stop moving when we are dead. Motion is important at both the segmental level of the spine all the up to global movements involved through walking and exercise.
There is truth to the old adage “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. Joints that don’t go through their full ranges of motion on a regular basis become restricted and stiff overtime.
Imagine a hinge on a door, overtime if it isn’t used it can become stiff and rusted. But if we ask the hinge to move, add a little oil, we can get that hinge working well again.
This is quite like the joints in your body, when we get adjusted we restore normal motion to the joint allowing it to move correctly, reducing inflammation in the joint and promoting ease.
2. Sleep
This is the best recovery tool we have and the easiest to let slip. When we sleep our body has a chance to process all the accumulated damage and stress that has happened throughout the day. Allowing us to start the next day renewed and recharged.
However much we know this we all fall victim to doom scrolling on our phones and being glued to the tv for more time than we would like. If you’ve ever said ‘I don’t have the time’ when asked why you aren’t pursing your health or life goals. I ask you to take out your phone and look at the screen time app in settings. Now tell me again.
There’s a saying that a healthy person has a thousand wishes, whereas a sick person has one. Prioritise your sleep now and give yourself the boost it needs.
Our bodies also crave routine, as much as possible I would prioritise a healthy sleep routine. Aim to get to bed for a similar time, and wake up at a similar time each day. Your body will thank you.
3. Nutrition
Nutrition can be a complex subject but if pushed I think most of us know what foods are good for us and those that aren’t. All those delicious pastries, glass of wine, and burger and chips perhaps not the most nutritious calories we can consume. But like most things life is about balance, aim to do the right thing most of the time and the cumulative effect will be huge.
We should be striving for whole foods with enough calories to sustain our activity levels. If we are very active we need to be consuming much more than someone who is quite sedentary for example.
If you are always reaching for snacks, those high sugary treats, it means you aren’t consuming enough when you actually sit down to meals to sustain your needs.
We also see many people not consuming enough water, dehydration makes you tired and reduces your body’s ability to heal quickly. Make sure you grab some water when coming through clinic to compliment your adjustments.
4. Mindset – both as an individual and as part of community
Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t you’re right. Having a positive outlook on your health goals is essential to getting better. As those who want to get better will find solutions, those who don’t will find excuses.
As much as we push ourselves and find stress throughout the day it’s important to make space for our own mental health to recharge. This can be as simple as a walk, listening to a podcast or my favourite, exercise and sauna.
Time to switch off and be away from technology allows for some introspection, and to answer the questions that may be running in your mind.
As much as time alone is important, we are social creatures and need the company of others to thrive. Carve out some time for friends, family. Ideally, spend time with them in person, but even a phone call can go a long way towards your wellbeing and theirs.
By focusing on these Four Pillars—Movement, Sleep, Nutrition, and Mindset—you can build a solid foundation for lifelong health and wellness.
Remember, your body has an incredible capacity to heal when given the right tools and environment.
Every step forward matters, and we’re here to guide and support you along the way. Let’s make your health goals a reality—one adjustment, one habit, and one day at a time.
– Michael
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