It can be challenging to get out and be active. We’ve all neglected our exercise routine at times. The yoga mat gets shoved to the back of the closet, the running shoes grow dusty, and the dumbbells end up in the garage. It happens to even the most active of us! Fortunately, there are a few basic steps you can take to get yourself back into shape. Hand In Hand Rehabilitation is here to help you! Request an appointment at our occupational therapy office now for more information on how to improve your health, strength, and physical activity.
Begin feeling better today
1. Don’t ignore your pain symptoms.
Did you know that over half of the United States suffers from some sort of limiting pain? Chronic pain can have a substantial impact on your quality of life, but occupational therapy can help you manage it.
Occupational therapy is a non-invasive, safe, and effective technique to manage and relieve pain that’s also natural. It can even eliminate the need for hazardous pain-relieving medicines or surgical treatment in many circumstances. The best aspect is that occupational therapy delivers long-term comfort when other treatments may only be effective for a limited time.
Hand In Hand Rehabilitation’s occupational therapists can help with all types of chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain, from ongoing headaches to fibromyalgia. Our skilled therapists can manipulate your bones and joints to reduce discomfort and work with you to form an exercise and movement plan that lessens your pain and increases mobility.
2. Eat healthy, well-rounded meals.
Maintaining a balanced diet does not exclude you from indulging in delights now and then. It’s all about balance in nutrition, so make sure you balance those sweets with some healthy options. This includes the following:
- Snacking smart. Healthy snacks are good snacks. So instead of those pretzels, try grabbing some peanuts. Snacking keeps you at your best so that you can sustain your energy and stay positive.
- Uncle Sam’s recipe for health: You might be wondering what this is! Essentially the following: lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products; some lean meats or meat substitutes, including beans, eggs and nuts; and minimal saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
- Don’t skip meals. Many individuals mistakenly believe that dieting entails “eating less,” yet skipping meals can be just as bad for your health as overeating. Consistently eating gives your mind and body the energy they need to get and stay active. It also prevents your blood sugar from plummeting, which can cause anxiousness, irritation, and a variety of other issues.
3. Find excuses to get active.
It can be hard to find the time to exercise throughout the day – so try sneaking it in! Occupational therapy often prescribes small changes to a person’s routine in order to make the adjustments manageable. Some simple ways to be more active during your daily tasks include:
- Take for the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
- Walking your dog.
- Doing yard work – raking leaves in the fall, shoveling snow in the winter, mowing the lawn in spring and summer, etc.
- Parking farther away from the storefront.
- Exiting the bus one stop early and walking the rest of the way to your destination.
4. Keep a positive mindset!
Exercising and eating well will become easier if you approach them with a good perspective. According to studies, having a happy attitude might help your immune system and give you more energy. Even if you don’t feel like getting out of bed to go for a run, your body will believe what you say. In other words, “fake it ’til you make it!”
Choosing occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is about more than just helping people recover from injuries! It’s about teaching patients easier ways to do what they need and want to do. Our occupational therapists at our clinic focus on each patient’s functional demands by developing exercises and activities that improve physical and psychological well-being.
Our occupational therapy strategies at our clinic include:
- A one-on-one assessment to discover the patient’s objectives.
- Personalized intervention actions to help the patient with daily duties and activities.
- An assessment of the outcomes to see if the objectives were reached and, if necessary, make changes to the plan.
If occupational therapy sounds like something you could benefit from, don’t waste any more time settling for less than what you deserve: a happy, healthy, functional life. Call us today for an appointment.
Request an appointment with Hand In Hand Rehabilitation today
An occupational therapist can help you reach your goals, whether you’re 23 or 78, suffering from chronic pain, or simply lacking ambition. Physical and mental health will improve if you live a healthier, stronger, and more active lifestyle. Request an appointment at our office to learn how occupational therapy can help you build an exercise plan or relieve discomfort so you can start living your life to the fullest.
