So in last few post we have been exploring ideas to manage our energy levels.
Check out previous blogs here. (https://www.bodydynamics.in/blog)
Everyone has experienced the challenge of trying to conserve enough energy to get the everyday things done on our to do list.
It can really complicate the situation by limiting the amount of energy you have and interfering with your ability to do those everyday activities and work.
Having long lasting energy helps you enjoy that precious time with your family at home.
There are some pretty simple things you can do everyday to help you use your energy wisely.
These energy-saving techniques are what is called the 4 "P's": pacing, planning, prioritizing, and positioning.
We have seen 3 P's in previous posts. (https://www.bodydynamics.in/blog)
Today let us look at Positioning:
Positioning and posture go hand in hand. It is a very vast subject, however we will look at basics here:
When you watch how you position yourself as you are going through your day, you will be able to identify some ways to do your daily chores using less energy which can help you to protect your joints from any excess strain.(Less awkward postures)
Listed below are a few examples of techniques you can introduce into your daily routine to help you conserve your energy:
Most important hallmark principle of Positioning or Posture is to maintain natural curve of spine. (To keep is it simple it is "S" shape curve and most awkward postures assume "C" shape curve.)
Good posture while you are sitting and standing will help to relieve any fatigue on your neck, back and shoulders.
This involves keeping your ears lined up with your shoulders and your shoulders lined up with your hips, and make sure that your head isn't leaning too far forward.
In Sitting you need to support your feet on floor some stable surface, low back's and neck's natural curvature to be maintained. Ears, shoulders and hip should remain aligned.
Sitting and alternating with standing because sitting takes less energy from your body and reduces stress on your leg joints as well as spine if you do prolong sitting while working, you want to stand up for other tasks
If you must stand to accomplish a task, and to ease the stress and fatigue on your back, try propping one foot on a step-stool or on the inside of a lower cabinet or in front on floor
Preferably, your work surface to be just at your elbow height in sitting and it should be just below your elbow height in standing.
To simplify your daily activities try using devices that can assist you in doing those activities. e.g. wheel barrow to collect garden water instead of lifting, carrying.Slide things rather than lift, use long handle duster, mops.
Along with these right breathing techniques play very important role.
Let's explore that in upcoming posts..
Occupational therapist are professionals that are trained to help you make these and other changes in your daily life.
If you have medical conditions such back pain, arthritis, chronic illness an occupational therapist can recommend modifications,techniques, self help exercise programs, pain management modalities and devices that can help to protect your joints from any excess strain
Occupational therapist can provide necessary medical advise/guidance/suggestions for work, home, leisure activities with postural corrections, energy conservation and much more for your well being to be productive at home, at work and be healthy!
You can reach out an occupational therapist in your area (http://www.aiota.org/) if you decide that you need this kind of help.
April is a Occupational Therapy Awareness Month (https://www.aota.org/Conference-Events/OTMonth.aspx)
If you take the time to think about all the thing you want to do or need to do, it can be a bit overwhelming.
But, if you can accept the fact that you will have some difficulties that can be managed well with listed principles in last 3 posts. Then you will begin to make the changes in your daily life that can help you to conserve your energy.
Remember that these small changes will improve quality of life and you will feel that you are in control of your energy resources.
We shall continue to explore more health and well being topics.. Do share your experiences or suggestions.. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Productive.. Bharati Jajoo: OTR CEAS AOEAS Body Dynamics: www.bodydynamics.in E-mail: Bharati@bodydynamics.in