In honor of Star Wars Day, we have a video reminder of proper cleaning techniques as we put away winter/spring and prepare for the summer (Star Wars style).

 

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week (May 13-19) is: "Movement: Moving More For Our Mental Health."

 

I promise I didn't get input on this one, but it feels like it!

 

Over this past year, we first explored why movement is important. Then we reviewed movement with purpose, or slow and controlled movements (especially to make sure your abs and glutes are active to avoid injury or falls). And finally, we discussed the importance of respecting our body for the journey it has been through, and making goals to keep moving forward despite whatever injuries or traumas we have experienced.  

 

As we are almost halfway through the year (what??), it's a good time to reflect on what we have learned together and how everything flows or ties in. In the last newsletter, we highlighted showing gratitude and acknowledging all our bodies have done for us, while we continue to focus on our goals. This month I'd like to acknowledge the mental health component of injuries, past traumas, etc. and why this area needs to be addressed as well. 

 

In this vein, we are including another clip from the last episode of Season 2 on the State of Healthcare Podcast (My personal interview about being a patient in the healthcare system).  

 

 

What are some ways that Physical Therapy can help with Mental Health?

 

1.  Elevate mood by decreasing pain (as PTs work to decrease pain this leads to less continual or daily mental drain)

2.  Exercise can release serotonin/endorphins that make you happier and decrease perception of pain

3.  Help with sleep (see above the release of serotonin leading to being able to fall asleep quickly and with a higher quality of sleep)

4.  Boost your self-esteem as you reach goals and get stronger

5.  Provides you with social support from someone in your corner (your Physical Therapist!)

 

So to keep with the THEME - MOVE MORE FOR MENTAL HEALTH (and see your Physical Therapist for how to be safe about it!) 

 

As always, if you have not listened to Seasons 1 & 2 of The State of Healthcare Podcast, now is the time to catch up. We are already starting work on Season 3 coming this Fall!

Unwind & Unknot has become a series at Elevate! The previous 2 workshops sold out and have now been developed into an Unwind & Unknot series to occur every 2-3 months with the next one happening Friday, May 10. Each workshop will include a focus and meditation/exercises to go along with this theme. Session #1 in May possibly focuses on grounding (and maybe some core).). Register HERE to book.
 

Message me or email hello@elevateyogaaz.com for additional questions.

 

Coming Soon: 

Self-Care and Core Workshop #1 was a beginning success with participants taking an hour for trigger point release, foam rolling, partner stretching, and learning how to properly engage their core with an ab focus. Look for Self-Care and Glutes Day coming Sunday June 2 (and a possibly monthly series of Self-Care Sundays!)

 

Merch Madness: 

We have personalized Lacrosse Balls for your own self-torture pleasure! Tank Tops are coming, and of course, we have our Stickers for promoting the importance of Physical Therapy & Fighting for Your Healthcare. Stickers are $1 each and Lacrosse Balls are $5.

 

Make sure to follow us on social and reach out if you have any questions! I love chatting directly with you about any concerns, questions, or ideas you might have!