Tag: Wellbeing

Give the Gift of Wellness on Random Acts of Kindness Day

Give the gift of wellness on Random Acts of Kindness Day – February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and what better way to spread kindness and wellness than with wellness

Acupuncture is a holistic and ancient form of healing that has been used for thousands of years to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being – this year we’ve decided to launch our very own gift cards so that you can treat a loved one to some well-deserved self-care. 

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints, with thin needles. This stimulation helps to unblock and regulate the flow of energy, or Qi, throughout the body. When Qi flows freely, it promotes balance, healing, and overall well-being.

There are many benefits to receiving acupuncture, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, and relief from physical pain and discomfort. Additionally, acupuncture can help boost the immune system, improve digestion, and promote a sense of relaxation and calm. Acupuncture is a gentle and non-invasive form of healing, and is suitable for people of all ages and health conditions. 

So why not spread kindness and wellness this Random Acts of Kindness Day by treating a loved one to a relaxing acupuncture session?

Spread wellness to those around you this Random Acts of Kindness Day with the power of acupuncture. Discover our gift cards, and promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being while spreading kindness and compassion this year.

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/catalog.php?owner=14023566&action=addCart&clear=1&id=1116268

Blue Monday – 6 ways to boost your mood

You may have heard of “Blue Monday” – the supposed most depressing day of the year – but the truth is, there’s no scientific evidence to back up this claim. What we do know is that the winter months can be tricky for some people, with shorter days, colder weather, and the festive season being over, it can be easy to feel a bit down in the dumps.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can do to help boost your mood and beat those winter blues! Here are my top five tips for staying happy and healthy during the winter months.

  1. Get some fresh air and sunshine! 

Even just a few minutes outside can do wonders for your mood and energy levels.

  1. Get moving! 

Exercise is a great way to release endorphins, which are the “happy hormones”.

  1. Connect with loved ones. 

Spending time with friends and family can provide a sense of support and companionship.

  1. Try something new! 

Alternative therapies like acupuncture or meditation can help reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and well-being.

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

If you’re feeling down for a prolonged period of time, it’s important to speak with a mental health professional to get the support you need.

  1. Take Vitamin D

Vitamin D levels tend to be lower in the winter months, due to a lack of sunlight and has been linked to low mood and an increased likelihood of SAD.   Vitamin D3 is best taken with Vitamin K2 in the same bottle so that we absorb three times the amount than if taking Vitamin D3 alone. Vitamin K2 is the driver and drives Vitamin D3 to all the receptor sites. 

Remember, it’s completely normal to feel a bit down during the winter months, but by taking care of yourself, you can beat those blues and feel great! And who knows, you may even discover a new hobby or two!

5 Superfoods That Promote Healthy Wellbeing 

They’re called superfoods because, they are… well, super! Small changes in the way we eat can help us in the long run and to take care of our bodies is a form of self-care and appreciation for all that our bodies do for us. 

So, here is our list of 5 superfoods that promote general wellbeing, that you can add into your diet: 

  • Nuts And Seeds 

A source of protein, fibre and unsaturated fats that also contain antioxidants that combat stress, promote cell reproduction and lower cholesterol. This superfood is packed with vitamins and minerals which it a staple for a well-balanced diet.  

  • Avocado  

A key staple for every Instagram-worthy brunch pic and for good reason! Avocados provide fibre and helps regulate blood pressure. An advisory published by the American Heart Association in the June 2017 issue of Circulation noted that replacing saturated fat (from sources such as butter) with the fats found in foods such as avocado can help reduce the risk for heart disease. 

  • Kimchi And Kefir 

Fermented foods are the new trend and with the numerous amounts of health benefits, there’s no wonder why they’re so popular. Products like kimchi and kefir are rich in probiotics that make them a great superfood. Probiotics are “healthy” bacteria and when taken, it may contribute to a healthy gut microbiome and play a role in disease prevention. The live bacteria in yogurt, for example, may reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcerative colitis, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.  

  • Dark Chocolate  

Yes, chocolate can be healthy, believe it or not. However, this is not the case for milk and white chocolate that are heavily infused with refined sugar and cream, but for dark chocolate. The cacao in dark chocolate is full of antioxidants which is said to help with heart health, cancer prevention and weight loss, according to a study published in December 2016 in the Journal of Neuroscience.  

  • Berries  

A staple for any summertime snack but did you know berries are at the top of almost every superfood list. Fresh berries such as blackberries, strawberries and cranberries (to name a few) are crammed with fibre and antioxidants that help fight against cancer-causing free radicals, notes a study published in March 2018 in Frontiers in Pharmacology. On top of that, they’re very low in calories which is great if you’re on a calorie conscious diet.  

I think we’re all feeling a bit peckish after hearing that list and to know we’re nurturing our bodies whilst eating great food, makes it all the better.

References: https://www.everydayhealth.com/photogallery/superfoods.aspx 

Key reasons to try acupuncture therapy for stress and anxiety relief

Stress and anxiety are hugely prevalent today, especially with the impact of the recent Coronavirus pandemic and the detrimental affect it has shown on our mental health and wellbeing. Many people are approaching clinics, like Gaynor Grozier Acupuncture, to help with lessening the effects. 

There is a very thin line between feeling motivated and overloaded. Between feeling happy and feeling emotional. Stress and Anxiety are more common in recent times and is becoming a normal part of being ‘human’. 

“I can’t sleep!” “I’m far too busy!” “I just need to do this!” “I can’t relax!” “I’m at my desk from dawn to dusk and not getting anywhere fast”…  are all too common in today’s ‘busy’ world. 

We apply so much pressure to ourselves in our daily lives, it’s physically draining and mentally straining.

If all these sayings and feelings are present in your daily life, then we want to hear from you! Here at Gaynor Grozier Acupuncture we care about your mental health and wellbeing and look forward to helping you reduce the effects of stress and anxiety with our acupuncture and supportive therapies to help you reduce the effects, build balance, and find harmony.

What are the signs?

Stress in small doses can often help us feel motivated to get things done. However, stress is often progressive and can be a constant companion. Not addressed, stress can become a root cause to more serious health conditions, manifesting in physical symptoms of the body. 

Symptoms are different for everyone, but may include:

  • Tension headaches
  • Upset stomach
  • Feeling run down
  • Poor sleep or Insomnia can cause stress
  • Racing thoughts
  • Increased heart rate
  • Chest pain
  • Forgetfulness and disorganisation 

When stress is continuous your risk increases of continual health problems along with the onset of anxiety and depression as well as more severe health conditions such as heart attack and heart disease.

What can you do to help alleviate stress? 

1: Improve your Work-life balance

Research has shown that more than 500,000 workers in the UK suffered from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in the past year. The main cause for this were down to workload, lack of support and organisational change.

We spend most of our time at work, repeatedly staying late or arriving early to meet deadlines and achieve targets – always in the attempt to get ahead of what can feel like a continuous uphill struggle. 

  • Learn the most powerful word, no when your workload becomes unmanageable. Often people are fearful of saying no or asking for help through fear of failure or risking their job. What if we were to say that “NO” means respect. Respect for yourself and the workplace. Saying no is so empowering not only to you but also to your fellow team members. You will find that less stress improves performance, aiding you to achieve a healthier work-life balance.
  • Plan your day effectively and take advantage of tools and training at work that can help you with this. Just because colleagues come in early and leave late, doesn’t mean you have to. Whether you are an employee or self-employed, maintaining good work-life balance will increase your performance. Focus on the important jobs that move the needle. This means from time to time we need to stop what we’re doing, get off the treadmill, reassess our workload or current situation and re-prioritise. 
  • Move on – If you’ve lost that ‘love where you work’ feeling, it may be time to reflect on your life plan. Remaining in a position ‘because it’s a job’ will bring stress and resentment. Find something that makes you want to get up in the morning and unleash the tiger within! Don’t be afraid to take a new path.

2: Financial worries

Financial worries can affect your relationships and social life. Many people find themselves in situations they feel are beyond their control. Worrying about finances can bring one of the biggest pressures we feel. Looking at where the next meal is coming from or how the next bill will be paid is often the biggest weight on our minds.

You may benefit from some professional advice – contact your local Citizens Advice or visit the Which website for access to a pool of services to put you back on top. Talking through your financial worries and possible solutions available to you is the best step forward. It will bring clarity and a plan.

3: Diet

You are what you eat, poor food choices can lead to you feeling unwell, putting the body in a state of stress, whether you are yet symptomatic or not.

Clean up your diet and the feel-good factor will come.

As a race, we are now eating more processed food and whilst on route to your plate additional salt, fat and sugar are added to extend shelf life and are chronically affecting our health. Not only do additional additives and growth hormones change the flavour of food, but they also put a strain on our gastrointestinal tract meaning it’s a struggle to metabolise food, causing bloating, allergies, hormonal imbalances and more…

So, what’s the alternative?

  • Consider a paleo diet 
  • Read labels 
  • Eat regularly and avoid skipping meals

4: Poor sleep

Do you lie in bed with thoughts and fears racing through your mind? We’ve all been there… If this happens on the odd instance, you’re likely to feel tired and petulant but this can affect your health if it happens continually. Good quality sleep at night is key to your performance during the day and will help to restore emotional and physical well-being.

  • Limit your caffeine intake 
  • Create a relaxing environment 
  • Be consistent with your bedtime 

Quick tip:

Aloe Vera plants omit oxygen overnight which can help with breathing and promote a harmonious sleep.

5: Technology

Technology is having an influence in everything we do which can be brilliant but can also add to stress. Ofcom research in 2017 found that 94% of adults in the UK own a mobile phone.

It’s easy to become addicted to hand held devices so it’s important to:

  • Block out ‘off-screen’ time 
  • Find alternative things to do, such as yoga. 
  • Try going for walks or joining a local community group.
  • Reduce your blue light exposure & leave technology out of the bedroom.

Are you looking for help?

If you are considering acupuncture to support you with stress, depression, or anxiety – do get in touch for a confidential consultation.

Acupuncture proactively reduces stress, by:

  • Providing relaxation time
  • Bringing hormonal balance 
  • Promoting health and well-being
  • Increasing energy

You may also like to visit www.mind.org.uk for additional resources.

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