It's Never Too Late - By Jonathan Broekman

A few weeks ago, I had an unpleasant experience of being mugged while cycling. Someone had decided they wanted my phone, ran behind me up a hill and while fiddling in my shirt pocket, I came to a crashing halt. While they didn't make off with my phone, I was fortunate to have my life but also a severely bruised elbow.

Of course, the sudden jolt of fear, the loss of control, and the inevitable fall were caused by the incident. But the aspect that I considered most after the fact was less about crime in South Africa and more about the violation and the visceral feeling of control slipping out of your hands as you plunge towards what could be a terrible injury.
 

The most common injuries

As we get older, we start to consider our movements more methodically. Each time we fall, the injuries get greater, and this made me think about aspects of self-preservation and how we can take greater care of ourselves.

After my attack, I visited my physio for a quick check-up just to be sure all was well. I asked him what the most common treatment and injury he encounters are. To my surprise, it's less about falls and common injuries and more associated with our posture as a result of too much sitting and not enough mobility!

He says the most common form of injury is back-related. A malaise caused by years and years of strain brought on by a lack of physical exercise and poor posture. 
 

Self-care - think of your back, think of your psyche!

My advice would be to incorporate physical exercise into your daily routine as often as possible. Not only to keep yourself physically in shape but also for your psyche. Exercise is an alarmingly effective antidepressant, provided it's done in line with your doctor's recommendations. This can include low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga.

Taking regular breaks from sitting is also crucial. Every 30 minutes, take a short walk or stretch to help alleviate any discomfort. Using a standing desk is another great option to help alleviate back pain and is often recommended in high-pressure environments where you spend over 15 hours a day in front of a screen. So much so that I am now searching for an old grandfather clock that chimes

Regular visits to a physiotherapist or chiropractor can also help with back pain management. Lastly, incorporating regular stretching into your daily routine can help increase flexibility and reduce tension in your back muscles. By implementing these tips, you can help mitigate back pain and maintain a healthy back.
 

You only have one body

It's important to remember that self-care is a priority, as you only have one body. Neglecting your physical and mental health can lead to long-term problems and affect the quality of your life. Remember, investing time and effort into caring for you are investing in your overall health and well-being. Don't leave it to chance!
 

Take care,
Jonathan Broekman