Work-life balance, burnout, and mental health have all been hot topics in recent years, especially with the pandemic and the resulting rise in remote work. While the flexibility to work from anywhere (or a hybrid schedule allowing some work from home days) is wonderful, it does come with its drawbacks. With remote work has come not only increased flexibility, but also decreased boundaries and work-life balance (for some, not all).

I believe that remote work is the future for many industries (though I can’t yet give you a spinal adjustment remotely – maybe one day), however I ALSO believe that work-life balance is not a goal to be achieved, or a nice to have, but a necessity. So here are 6 tips to ensure that you achieve and retain yours, so that you can be your best both in and out of work.

Get it? Because chiropractors work with your back?

Anyway, February was Black History Month, in March the observance is Women’s History Month, where we take a special look at not only the contributions women have made throughout history, but in the field of medicine, particularly the field of chiropractic care. Because you know, we’re biased.

February is the month of hearts and love. Teddy bears, chocolate, flowers, and heart shaped gimmicks line the aisles at your neighborhood stores, happy couples are all over Instagram, and awareness campaigns are everywhere promoting American Heart Month.

Valentine’s day is about your loved ones, and American Heart Month is about, well, America’s heart health. However, interestingly, this year the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute centered their campaign around not everyone else’s hearts but your heart. Their page on the annual observance displays the headline
“When we take care of #OurHearts as part of our self-care, we set an example for those around us to do the same.”

This represents a welcome change in the marketing tactics that are being used during this month and it’s observances; the most important heart, your biggest valentine, will always be you.

Yes, this is a blog on self -care and self love in honor of the month of hearts. Mostly, it’s a blog on how to be the best you both in your relationships and for yourself.

Hey there, peeps! Happy tax season, am I right? Wrong. Taxes aren’t fun. Anyway, this blog has nothing to do with taxes, and everything to do with home care techniques that actually work. Honestly if you google “how to ___ at home” a million results will come up. Some reputable, some less than, and some…really not. I’m not here to tell you there are home techniques that can replace medical/chiropractic care. However, I WILL say that I recommend supplemental home techniques to almost every patient of mine in order to ensure they are getting the best results from their treatment and keep their body as healthy as can be. After all, coming in to see us once a month/week/etc is not a magic pill. We can help, but we need your help.

Don’t worry, we’re all friends here, so I’ll share my secrets with you.

Kidding, I’m not reinventing the wheel here. The home techniques I recommend are extremely simple. However, that doesn’t take away from their importance.

Here are my favorites:

Ragrets.

No, that’s not a typo. Please tell me you get the reference.

Anywho.

It’s January 1st…and you’ve got the hangover to end all hangovers. You think to yourself “well it’s a good thing I’m doing Dry January” or better yet “I’m NEVER drinking again.”

Sound familiar?

2022 is days away…and you know what a new year means. New year, new you, right? It’s the season of New Year’s Resolutions. I know there are many opinions on this New Year’s tradition. Some think New Year’s Resolutions are great; an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Some think they’re a marketing ploy. Others think they are a fallacy which leads to disappointment and unmet goals.

The truth? The truth is…they’re all true. It just depends on YOUR mindset, and YOUR attitude. Personally, I can see all sides. I think marketers have a field day during this time of year. I also think that if there are things you want to change, it’s best to start with small actionable changes immediately instead of waiting for a big change at an arbitrary point in time. However, I also think the idea of a fresh start, a new season of hope, is a beautiful thing, and honestly can’t hurt.

So, if you want to make New Year’s Resolutions, girl have at it. Just hear me out first, so that you make the RIGHT ones.

Tis’ The Season

Christmas is this week!!! How is that even possible? I feel like just yesterday we were talking about how 2020 was **rough** and 2021 would be our year. Now, was it? I don’t know about you…but my 2021 felt like a bit of a 202o encore, so I’m not opposed to enjoying the holiday season with my loved ones and waving goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 (I feel old).

A key part of this season for me (and just about everyone else who’s lucky enough to be able to do so) is traveling. Going home to see your parents? Taking a trip out of sunny South Florida to see some snow? Wherever your holiday travels are taking you, don’t forget to take care of yourself. As wonderful as traveling can be, it can also be quite stressful and take a toll on your mind and body.

Nuff said. Let’s get into how to travel in style…Wellness Style that is. **Mic drop**

Happy late Thanksgiving you turkeys! Hopefully you’ve recovered from your food comas…I know I (barely) have. Thanksgiving is great for many reasons; good food, an excuse to eat ridiculous amounts of it, good company, a couple days off of work to relish in your loved ones and fall weather (or beach weather for those of us in Florida). However, I think we’re all guilty of forgetting what the holiday is really about; gratitude.

Thanksgiving in the United States is technically meant to celebrate the harvest and other blessings of the past year, and originated in 1621. You can read all about the history at history.com (figures).

Suffice it to say that it is a popular holiday with a great message, and a bit of a controversial history.

While I’m not here to undermine the controversial history and the very valid sentiments behind it, I also do like the holiday for what it’s become. It’s history may be tainted, but the message of being thankful for everything the previous year has brought and for everything we have is worthy of a celebration in my book.

I believe Thanksgiving sets the scene for a whole season of gratitude. Don’t let the gratitude die after your leftovers do. Trust me, you’ll be glad you didn’t.

Turns out Grandma may have been on to something when she swore her knees could sense a cold front or rain coming. There is conflicting research on the subject, but I am a big believer in looking at both research, and anecdotal evidence. Some research finds no link between weather and pain, while other studies find that joint pain and weather changes have a positive correlation. Anyone who’s ever met any grandparents (or others with joint pain from things like arthritis) knows the anecdotal evidence is there. SO what do we know about the relationship between weather and pain?