Becs is our very own Arthritis NZ Health Coach. Each month she shares a simple self-management tip to help you live well with arthritis.
Listen to the whispers: a two-minute body check-in
Life can be busy, stressful and challenging – and sometimes we keep pushing through without really noticing what our body is telling us.
Developing self-awareness can help you recognise changes in your pain, stiffness, tension and energy, and think about what you might need that day.
Try a two-minute body scan.
When you wake up, or before you go to bed, take two quiet minutes and mentally scan from your head to your toes.
Ask yourself:
- Where am I holding tension?
- How are my joints feeling today?
- What are my energy levels like?
- Is there anything my body might need from me today?
There’s nothing you need to fix during those two minutes. You’re simply noticing and checking in with yourself.
Over time, getting to know your body’s signals may help you make earlier choices around pacing, movement and rest, rather than waiting until your body is demanding your attention.
Don’t wait for your body to shout. Take two minutes each day to listen to the whispers.
