Blog Layout

Blog

Are You Taking Good Care of Yourself?

In challenging times such as these, taking care of ourselves is more important than ever—yet it’s often the last thing on our minds. We have to meet that deadline, use break time to run errands, accomplish all the items on our list. We all know the negative impact on our health that stress can have—so, let’s find some balance.

 

Take this self-quiz to see how well you are taking care of yourself.


T/F 1. When I’m upset and/or feeling hopeless, I talk about the situation with a friend, family member or therapist. And if I need help, I ask for it.

 

T/F 2. I let go of the way things used to be. I accept the way things are.

 

T/F 3. Every day I do something physical even if it’s just a walk around the block or a 15-minute workout.

 

T/F  4. I eat healthily and take the time to enjoy my meals. I set aside work, driving and other activities while I eat.

 

T/F 5. I think positively. I view problems as opportunities and obstacles as challenges.

 

T/F 6. I can say no when I need or want to.

 

T/F 7. I remember to breathe.

 

T/F 8. If I’m experiencing physical symptoms, I go to the appropriate health care professional. I don’t panic about the symptoms, and I don’t deny them either.

 

T/F 9. I can settle for “good enough.” I don’t demand perfection in everything that I do.

 

T/F 10. I recognize the value of working in different gears. Some tasks require less effort. That saves energy for those times when I need to push myself.

 

T/F 11. I get enough sleep most nights.

 

T/F 12. I value my personal relationships and give them the time and energy they need and deserve.

 

T/F 13. I choose healthy ways to relieve stress. I don’t rely on crutches such as smoking, drinking and overeating.

 

T/F 14. I recognize the importance of breaks during the day, as well as vacations.

 

T/F 15. I listen to and respect my feelings.

 

If you answered false to several of these, you may want to take an honest look at the impact your choices may be having.

 

Please do not hesitate to call if you would like support in taking better care of yourself.

 

As always, yours in health,

 

Geoff Dakin

Woman touching her knee joint

Your Knee Bone's Connected to your Butt Bone - Part Deux

By Geoff Dakin • April 4, 2022
"Most people who have chronic or recurring knee pain have a hip/pelvis alignment problem, a foot/ankle problem, or both." First-principles thinking involves breaking down a problem into its assumption-free, fundamental building blocks. In the chronic pain-elimination game, the following fundamental truths have served me well over the years: 1. The nervous system is paramount. 2. Malalignment of the skeleton adds stress to the neuromuscular system. 3. Postural malalignment can usually be reduced with the practice of appropriately prescribed corrective exercise.
Man stretching his body on the floor

The Top Two Reasons Stretching Doesn't Work

By Geoff Dakin • March 28, 2022
I have found that most people will stretch as aggressively as their pain threshold will allow. However, there is this thing called the “Stretch Reflex.” In other words, stretch too hard and all you are doing is making yourself sore! All pain, no gain. Stretching "the wrong muscles"??? I can hear the gears turning in your head. "The wrong muscles" doesn't make any sense!
kneee pain

Your Knee Bone's Connected to your Butt Bone

By Geoff Dakin • March 21, 2022
Although chronic back pain is the most common chronic pain problem worldwide, of course, it's not the only one. In my practice, I also help people struggling with foot pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, and many others! In fact, today I want to share with you my perspective on KNEE PAIN, one of the most common problems I'm asked about.
Man kissing woman with a kid and a dog in a park during winter

No Such Thing As Impossible

By Geoff Dakin • March 7, 2022
“Impossible” is usually an opinion, not a fact. Although you may’ve taken a very long and winding road to get relief from chronic pain, and you’ve probably even had experiences that suggest that solving your pain problems are “impossible” If you come to the clinic or work with me using video conferencing I can guide you through your rehab training even faster and easier!
Shower water falling

I Think About You When I’m In The Shower

By Geoff Dakin • February 27, 2022
This morning I got thinking about something a patient said. She has felt “heard” and she is no longer fearful that she will be “forced to do things that cause undo pain". I put a lot of time, effort, and yes, thought, into making sure you’re getting the care your body needs, not what some system says you SHOULD need.
Man in disbelief

That Could Never Happen To Me

By Geoff Dakin • February 18, 2022
I continue to see chronic pain problems being mismanaged and misunderstood. Or better said, mismanaged because they are misunderstood. Is it any wonder that people aren’t getting the help they need and instead end up relying on painkillers and surgeries to “solve” their problems?
Adult man laughing with his aging father

Changing Relationships: Caring for Yourself While Caring for Your Aging Parents

By Geoff Dakin • August 26, 2021
With people living longer than ever before, more and more individuals find themselves sandwiched between caring for their children and caring for their aging parents. You may experience feelings of grief and loss, as you see your parents changing and the roles of your family shifting. You may also feel fearful and anxious about your parent’s mortality, and that gets you thinking about your own.
Person relaxing on the grass

Listen to Your Body, It Knows More than You Do!

By Geoff Dakin • June 23, 2021
The body holds much of the information we need to function at our best, but too often we ignore its messages and plow ahead with what our minds tell us. Instead of asking our body what it wants, we go for the quick fill-up or the comfort food that may be the last thing we really need. So, what to do to give your body an equal say in how you use it?
How to conquer your fears and empower yourself

Conquer Your Fears and Empower Yourself

By Geoff Dakin • March 16, 2021
What many people fail to realize is that fear is nothing more than a conditioned response. It's a natural reaction to a frightening or unfamiliar situation. While it is usually automatic, there are things you can do to overcome it. Here are three…
Living in the Age of Overwhelm

Living in the Age of Overwhelm

By Geoff Dakin • February 2, 2021
Although we like to think of ourselves as logical, rational beings, the truth is that we are extremely emotional. In the past year, COVID-19 has brought us social isolation, fear of infection, and for many, financial hardship. Whether or not already feeling anxiety surrounding recent events, public or personal, COVID has pushed many into overwhelm. If you’re struggling, please reach out. We’re here for you. If we’re not able to help you solve your current challenges, we promise to help you find someone who can.
More Posts
Share by: