And, yes, before we go any further we know this simple question is going to touch a raw spot with some people. But, as usual, we’re not trying to send anyone’s blood pressure through the roof or be provocative. Merely give you a different perspective on something we all take for granted. We’ve mentioned it in passing on a number of occasions and, with the increasingly hysterical nature of mainstream reporting, thought it was time to make it the topic of the week. So, if you need to, take a deep calming breath – or two (!) – before reading on. 

Diet is one of those topics we come back to again and again, both here on the Blog and with Clients. What never ceases to amaze us is how little thought – or planning – seems to go into what many people are eating each day. Whether on their plates or, increasingly, on the go. And, while most people are ready to accept the maxim of “rubbish in, rubbish out” as far as their computer is concerned; for some reason this logic often doesn’t seem to stretch as far as their bodies. 

 

Why is this? 

 

Well, we’d love to say there was one very simple answer but, unfortunately, this isn’t the case. From our perspective there are many different factors at play accompanied by a large dose of irony. And, if that sounds a little strange, let us explain. 

Welcome to the first post of 2021, a shiny new year beckons. Hurrah! So, it must be time for our – almost traditional (!) – different perspective to start the New Year. Well, more accurately, on how to avoid starting it with a series of over optimistic / completely unrealistic / alcohol fuelled (!) resolutions. Which are equally quickly followed by them being broken or not having the desired results. Not forgetting all the guilt and other negative emotions that entails. Deep calming breaths all round… 

 

Instead, let’s focus on three simple things, the importance of which we were reminded about during the rollercoaster that was 2020. They require no financial investment. No complicated or expensive equipment. Only as much time as you want to give them. Despite this, they can all be seen as investments, in the broadest sense of the word. 

Well, it’s THAT time of the year again. One that’s guaranteed to send stress levels rocketing through the roof. And that’s without the current madness, which is all we’re going to say on that particular topic (!). 

 

So, it seemed like a good time for a little reminder of a saying that’s become our mantra for the year. Looking back, it featured in a 2019 post, although it’s really come into its own during 2020. You may even have found yourself saying – or thinking – it about yourself or those around you. 

 

How things change. A few years ago, Vitamin D was only mentioned in connection with helping maintain healthy bones. Although, as an aside, this is still the case on NHS Direct when we googled it a few days ago… 

 

Moving swiftly on (!), the good news is that the message is finally getting out that Vitamin D does so much more than help support healthy bones. In fact, it’s increasingly becoming clear that it’s just as important as Vitamin C in supporting the Immune System. And much more besides. There’s also been some interesting recent research in connection with the current madness – as well as to winter bugs in general – showing just how important it is. Not only in helping reduce susceptibility, but also in improving the outcome, should the worst happen. More about this later. 

We often talk about the modern obsession with communication and its unintended – and unanticipated – consequences. Peer pressure. Knee jerk reactions, often on the flimsiest of information. Opinions and hearsay dressed up as facts. The increasing polarisation of different points of view, leading to a belligerent “I’m right, everyone else is wrong.” And much more besides. 

 

With pressure coming in from every side, it’s little wonder that simply saying “I don’t know” has become such a difficult thing to say. And it doesn’t seem to matter whether it’s on the smallest – and least important – matter or something much larger or more complicated. 

 

Why is this? 

Every year about this time – give or take a week or two depending on the weather (!) – we have a flurry of calls from Clients with Sciatica. It’s a topic we’ve written about before and can be found here. 

 

It’s always a sign that Autumn has arrived, with its cooler and damper weather; often with a nippy north or easterly wind thrown in for good measure. Not surprisingly, this unwelcome trio is guaranteed to stir up any muscular or skeletal problems; although Sciatica always seems to be top of the list, quickly followed by Arthritis and Rheumatism. 

It’s often said that a little gossip helps the world go round. Whether at home, work or within the family; talking about other people seems to be one of our favourite pastimes. And it’s not just about people we know – or know of – but also those in the public eye, even though we’ve never met them and are unlikely to do so. 

 

Regardless of who we’re talking about, there seems to be something irresistible about unearthing another person’s secrets. Even better, if we’re the first one to do so and pass them on, particularly if they’re less than positive. If not downright malicious, perhaps, driven by the green eyed monster… 

 

Increasingly, it’s fuelled by social media which, sadly, encourages knee jerk reactions. The repeating of information without stopping for a moment to consider its accuracy, let alone the ramifications for the person concerned. Or ourselves. And aided in no small part by our old friend, peer pressure. More about this in a moment. 

 

So, why do we gossip and can it really be a positive thing as some Psychologists suggest? 

Although it underpins every blog post we write – and everything we do – it’s been a while since we’ve talked specifically about the miracle that is the human body. Our first – and life long – home. And we bet you’ve never thought about your body in that way before! 

 

Despite all of this, it’s the one thing we take completely for granted. Well, until something goes “wrong” and we can’t do all the things we want to….. 

 

While we may like to think – particularly in this technological age – that scientists understand exactly how the human body works, this is far from the case. Let alone have a solution for every “problem” which may occur. 

With all the madness ratchetting up yet again, whether it’s “Pandemic the sequel” or the ongoing saga of the American election – and that’s all we’re going to say on either of those contentious topics (!) – it’s all too easy to be swept away by it all. Finding ourselves trapped in a quagmire of “doom, gloom and despondency” before even realising what’s happening. 

 

So, it seemed like a good time for a quick reminder that how we feel is a choice that each one of us makes, every moment of every day. And, just in case you missed it, we’re going to repeat the most important word in that last sentence. CHOICE. Yes, it is!