How to Be More Active and Think Better
By Sandy Schroeder
Researchers are telling us if we stay active we may boost our memory and thinking skills. They also believe activity can up our mood and help our sleep by lowering stress and anxiety.
To apply this research to our lives, we have to start where we are. Ask your doctor what activities would be good for you, and then think about how to make them happen on a daily basis.
See Your Chiropractor
The next step might be to enlist the help of your local chiropractor, The Joint Chiropractic. Wellness is an everyday process at The Joint as they see everyone from teens to seniors solving big and little problems.
If you want to be more active, an assessment of your spinal health might be the best way to begin. When you come in, your chiropractor will explain how good spinal health may create good overall health for you.
Your chiropractor will use a spinal adjustment to align your spine, eliminating any dysfunctions that might be causing pain in areas such as the neck, back, or other joints. Individuals may also note that they experience more energy, better mental focus, or improved digestion and metabolism.
A Wellness Approach
As you create a chiropractic health plan, you may want to talk with your chiropractor and physician about the best ways to stay active.
If you are already active, you may want to evaluate how your efforts make you feel. When you are walking regularly, do you tend to be more effective on the job, in your home? When you slack off, do you notice more mental sluggishness?
Or, it could be time to return to golf, tennis or fishing. Or, begin a daily walking routine that starts with a few minutes and gradually builds.
Note: In each case, be sure you are cleared with your medical team for the activity you are considering.
Successful Results
A study in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found tai chi helped older adults think better when performing executive skills, such as problem solving, planning, using working memory and verbal reasoning. Tai chi is a group exercise that teaches slow focused movements, which could explain how it helps the brain.
I have done tai chi for awhile, and totally enjoyed repeating slow, standing, flowing motions as part of a class that met in a nearby park. Beginning the morning with this class, among the eucalyptus, definitely improved my focus and my mood.
If you would like to learn more about chiropractic, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. The Joint simplifies everything. An affordable care program eliminates the need for insurance. The doors are open seven days a week and evening hours are available. No appointments are needed. Walk-in visits are welcome.