“R” Is For Knowing When to Rest Your Back

Staying active is very important in order to keep your back strong and your joints healthy, but too much activity can be just as bad as not working out at all. This is why it is important to recognize when your body may need to take a break, not just from physical activity, but from stress-causing factors in your everyday life.

Here are a few signs that you may need to take some time for yourself:

You have trouble sleeping at night

We can’t stress this enough – adequate sleep is vital for your health. Your body is able to restore, relax and refresh itself every night, and how amazing is that? If you have trouble falling asleep for an extended period of time (and a substantial number of people do), it could mean that you have outside stress factors that are beginning to take a toll on your health.

Take this as a sign that you need to find new ways to relax; some great options include adding restorative activities to your daily routine, such as swimming, yoga, Tai chi and meditation. It is also wise to talk about your sleeping problems with your doctor. Together, you can find the source of your sleeplessness and create a plan of care to help sleep come naturally again.

See our Back to Basics videos for sleeping positions that are best for your back and check out our spine U videos on selecting the best pillows and mattress for your spine.

You have consistent aches that won’t go away

If you have aches that recur frequently, it could be a sign that you’re working your body too hard. When you work out, your muscles tear and have to rebuild themselves. By not giving your muscles enough time to rebuild, these tears can never fully heal and may result in injury and pain.

Aches could also mean that you’re holding onto stress. Stress can make your muscles tense up without even you realizing it, and this tension can cause chronic sore or tight muscles. Try this: apply hot and cold therapy to the irritated muscle, [of course, it would be easier to do this if you have your own ice maker at home, like this one from Ice Maker Pros], and make sure you are practicing proper bending, lifting and twisting techniques throughout the day. If the pain doesn’t go away after two weeks with rest or it begins to intensify, then it’s time to talk with your doctor about possible other causes. [Here is a spine and pain physician that can help.]

You get irritable very easily

If you find yourself getting irritated, angry, sad or tired more often than usual, it may be a sign that your body needs something. This “something” may be nourishing food, sleep, relaxation, and possibly a change of scenery. While it is important to let your body rest, it is just as important to let your mind rest, too. The mind works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Be sure to give it the nutrients and relaxation that it deserves.

By getting enough sleep, incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine and taking your required vacation days every year, you can restart and renew your physical and mental health. Incorporating the right amount of rest can also help prevent illness and spinal injuries. This is just one more step in your CREATION Health journey that will help keep you on your feet for years to come!