Sydney’s weather has been all over the place lately. Hot one day, cold and wet the next. The days are getting longer though, and spring is nature’s invitation to move more.
Our ancestors followed the sun. They woke with the light, moved through the day and settled when it got dark. Your body still runs on that rhythm, and your cells make energy best when you give them the conditions they were built for.
Follow the light
Get ten minutes of morning light on your face and eyes before you reach for a screen. Wander around the block with your coffee. On grey or wet days, step outside anyway. Even cloudy daylight is far brighter than indoor light.
Try this today: 2 minute spinal hygiene
Think of it as brushing your teeth, but for your spine. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Slowly roll forward, one vertebra at a time, then slowly roll back up. Next, gently turn your shoulders left and right, then lean side to side. Move slowly and stay within comfortable range. Do it each morning.
Move the whole day
Every 30 minutes, stand up. Take ten slow breaths and have a wander. Take the long way to the coffee shop or the train. Walking about 7 to 8 thousand steps a day is a great target. When the weather is kind, use the extra daylight for a walk after dinner.
Slow your breath
Tonight, before bed, breathe in through your nose for a count of four and out for a count of six. Keep it up for two minutes. Slow breathing is one of the channels your nervous system reads to know it is safe to rest and repair.
Real food, firelight and good company
Build meals around meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit and plenty of water. In the evening, dim the lights and put the screens down. Think firelight, not blue light. Then ask a mate or a family member to walk with you. Community always helped keep us moving.
Everyone’s experience is different, and this article is general information only. If you have pain or health concerns, please see a health professional.
Want a hand looking after your spine and nervous system? Book in with the team at Alignment Chiropractic on (02) 7204 3087.