Self Care, Prevention & The Planet
This blog was first written for the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre following delivery of a staff wellbeing Active Workshop.
Renewed interest in self care and prevention is not only good for health, its good for the planet. Practicing safe, effective and time honoured techniques and physical movements, to help manage or prevent common ailments, is a sustainable wellbeing approach. Being proactive with self care and learning aligns us with our resourceful intelligence and natural abilities.
Human beings have always depended on nature and the conscious development of care, for ourselves and others. Today, online classes, Pinterest boards, digital health apps and other contemporary modes of information delivery - along with the latest scientific discoveries - encourage us to take action and do something constructive to improve our quality of life.
People sharing knowledge, wisdom and ideas
The effective use and teaching of mind body practices for thousands of years continues to grow and develop, reaching an increasingly diverse global audience. Yoga and Mindfulness are just two such examples.
Learning simple principles, techniques and practices as an embodied experience, allows people to notice and feel the positive changes in their own lives, and gives them more control and agency. When this is part of a community or group - online or in person - it supports our social interdependence too.
Learning and development
There is a lot you can do to manage your own health and wellbeing, both on a daily basis, and when ailments and health challenges are faced. One of the greatest opportunities for improvement is the shift in mindset around what is achievable. Empowering people with knowledge and resources can help them better manage their own wellbeing and health where possible. With an ageing population this becomes more important than ever.
One example is to consider the Sympathetic Nervous System and the Parasympathetic Nervous System, and ways to maintain a healthy balance - particularly during times of additional stress and anxiety. In this instance, choosing to adopt a ‘breath practice’ can help to create calm and focus awareness as required, and apps or phone prompts can remind us to do this regularly.
Sleep is also a key contributor to wellbeing, and it is possible to learn effective strategies for managing any disruption to sleep. Poor quality sleep can be understood better when the bigger picture is considered, looking at factors such as light and sound; temperature; posture; breathing or levels of melatonin.
The addition of simple mind body techniques can be highly effective, even when environmental factors or other aspects are difficult to control.
It’s practical to gradually build a holistic awareness of what impacts positively and negatively, informing and increasing your choices. And this is true for many areas of wellbeing and the common ailments most of us experience at times in our lives.
With a focus on wellbeing outdoors, this Natural Immersion Pinterest board includes a range of wellbeing insights, ideas and resources - including mindfulness and breath practices. It also brings light to the subject of ‘circadian rhythms’ and why getting out for an early morning walk has added benefits.
Holistic self care and prevention is an excellent foundation for maintaining good health and wellbeing. In fact it’s a birthright. And it’s more accessible than ever, when you know what you’re looking for. A very good thing considering the need for a safer, healthier and more sustainable world.
Glimpse ~ Moving Well have developed a fairly comprehensive range of wellbeing programmes, and a variety of ways for different individuals and organisations to engage. These include self care and nature connection workshops; active design and ergonomics consultancy, and holistic coaching and training.
Please get in touch to find out more.
