‘Healthy living’ means maintaining a healthy lifestyle and introducing habits that improve your health. It can be difficult to change old habits, but there are steps you can take to become healthier. An important first step is identifying less healthy habits and learning new, positive ones to replace them, such as:
1. Drink water daily.
The amount of water you should drink daily varies based on age, gender, weight and lifestyle but there is no doubt drinking water is a necessity. Aside from staying hydrated, boosting great skin, cushioning your spinal cord, brain and joints, water plays a huge role in muscle tissue. Drinking water before and after a massage helps flush out toxins , prevent muscle cramps and support muscle recovery.
2. Get at least 7 hours of sleep.
7-10 hours are recommended for adults to boost immunity, balance hormones, increase productivity and prevents weight gain. Muscle recovery takes place while you sleep so it is highly recommended before and after a massage to get a great night sleep.
3. Don’t sleep face down on your stomach.
Sleeping on your stomach disturbs your spine’s neutral alignment causing back, neck and joint pain. The most beneficial sleeping position is on your back supporting the alignment of your spine while helping relieve hip and knee pain.
4. Don’t stare down at your phone or computer screen.
“Tech Neck” is the common term used for neck pain caused by looking down for a long period of time causing muscles in your neck and shoulders to overwork themselves holding up your head. Massage therapy, bringing your screen to eye level and stretching are ways to decrease pain and strengthen your posture.
5. Stretch.
Stretching is one of the healthiest self care activities you can engage in. Along with decreasing muscle and joint stiffness, stretching helps decrease stress, reduces risk of muscle injury and help support great posture. Stretching before and after a massage helps decrease muscle soreness, improve flexibility and helps speed up muscle recovery.
