Whether or not you believe in astrology, it is LEO SEASON (I might be slightly prejudiced here because it is my Birthday season - and I have a cat named Leo)! Leo season is the time to embrace playfulness and regain confidence.
I don't know if anyone else has had "a year" and needs this message, but there have definitely been struggles in this chaotic world. Oftentimes as we go through life, we become focused on "surviving" or getting through each day. We do the necessary things. We do the work things. The household things.
But, just as often as self-care is preached, we forget the need or importance of "playing" or enjoying our life just for the sake of enjoyment. And Playtime counts as Self-Care time.
What exactly is "play"? According to Oxford Language Dictionary, it is to "engage in activity for enjoymentand recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose." But, to be honest, I cannot think of a more important purpose than to enjoy what you are doing. Or, at least to have some "playtime".
Playing has been shown to relieve stress, improve brain function, boost creativity, increase and improve connections with others. It can also increase your energy, and heal emotional wounds.
Today's video incorporates ways to bring playfulness into daily life. For my Birthday this year, I am wishing all of you daily nuggets of joy or moments when you get to "stop adulting" and spend a minute "just messing around".
Here are some ways to make daily life
(& PT exercises) more like "play":
1. Do things with a buddy! Nothing like messing around with your best friend in a park just because.
2. Don't forget to laugh at yourself. I laugh through almost every workout because I am a working on being graceful goofball. And that's o.k.!
3. Incorporate playing with your pet into your play time. Both of you will get a boost!
4. Put on music you enjoy. I definitely incorporate dance time into baking time, patient exercise brainstorm time, etc.
5. Find an environment that brings you peace and inspires you to play. My patient treatment area is my inspiration and I am lucky I have many toys that hang from the ceiling to inspire me. But, to be honest, open parks, funky gym set-ups, even Target can lead to inspiration. (Have you ever played in the Target toy section? Highly recommend…)
The question might be, why is "play" important to Physical Therapy? Well, if you gotta hang out with me, we might as well make it fun, right? That's why you will often hear me say to patients, "o.k., let's play" - meaning we are about to get creative with your stuff!
The State of Healthcare - Season 3
The State of Healthcare Podcast Season 3 has launched! I say it in every newsletter, but if you haven't listened to any of the previous seasons, now is the time to hear the patient/healthcare worker stories, lessons, and important tidbits for life, health, and navigating issues that affect us all. Even if you haven't listened to Season 1 & 2, Season 3 is here and I'm super excited! Women, it's time to Fight for Your Healthcare. Because, if you haven't heard, We've Never Really Studied the Female Body. But, I'm hopeful with more conversation, engagement and awareness that we are becoming empowered to make different choices for ourselves and our female communities!
Join Amber Lopez and myself at Elevate Yoga Studio for a unique and rejuvenating experience that combines the healing and calming practice of restorative yoga, alongside the healing power of trigger point therapy. In this workshop, you will learn to release tight muscles, ease into relaxation, and discover techniques to manage muscle tension and knots on your own, after preparing the body with intentional mobility based strength exercises.
You can expect: Breathwork & Intention Setting Strength Workshop Restorative Yoga Trigger Point Therapy
September 15, 2024:
This might be a twofer! Injury Prevention Sunday with a Hip Focus followed by Dancer Self-Care. Stay tuned to our Social Media to find out about possible new collaborations with maybe one of our Podcast Interviewees!
Updated Website!
Check out our website for updates on Upcoming Workshops, Services, & Merchandise!
Make sure to follow us on social for all of the latest updates and announcements! As always, if you have any questions, curiosities, or ponderings, shoot me a message!
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
-George Bernard Shaw
Don't forget. Life can be tough and throw challenges at us. And that is never going to change. All we can do is look for a nugget of joy, and take a moment to play
