Spice Up Your Spring: Turmeric & Recovery Slides Inside!
Hello, Friend!
As we peel off the layers of winter wear and welcome the spring sun (and rain!), it's a wonderful time to refresh not only our wardrobes but also our wellness routines.
With the change in weather, inflammation tends to rise. You might have noticed that skin rashes or indoor allergies also have that effect. As Hippocrates once said, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
In my own kitchen, the spice shelves have been doing a little spring cleaning of their own. Turmeric and Adobo are getting the front-row seats as I sprinkle a dash of anti-inflammatory goodness onto every plate. Shoutout to Burlap and Barrel for providing ethically sourced spices that make every meal a pinch-me moment. Trust me, your body during this change of seasons, will thank you.
Move of the Week: Stretch Your Way to Spring
The magic trio: calves, hamstrings, and lower back. These postural powerhouses work overtime to keep us upright and moving smoothly, but they need love too. Stretching these areas daily can strengthen your core, ease lower back pain, and perfect your posture. No fancy equipment needed—just you, some dedication, and perhaps a comfy spot on the floor.
Calves and Hamstrings: Aim for a gentle stretch, holding for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply.
Lower Back: Gentle twists and forward folds will do wonders. Remember, a stretched back supports a strong front.
Stretch daily to see improvements in flexibility and posture and to keep those muscles happy and healthy.
My Hot Tip: Step into Comfort
Ever thought about the transition your feet make from shoes to hard floors?
It’s like stepping from a cloud onto, well, not a cloud. Enter the fix: recovery shoes. My go-tos are the ever-so-lovely Oofos. Designed to increase ankle flexion, these bad boys help stretch the back chain of your muscles, allowing your feet to rest and relax at the end of the day.
Success Story: A Stretch to Success
This week’s spotlight shines on a client who transformed his flexibility in just one session. Starting with lower back pain and a reach just below the kneecaps, we focused on his posterior chain. Ninety minutes later, he went from tight to touching the floor with his fingertips, nearly placing his palms flat. Now, that’s what we call a stretch to success!
As we embrace the beauty of spring, let’s remember to take this season of renewal as a chance to recommit to our wellness journey. From stirring in a spoonful of anti-inflammatory spice to slipping on those recovery shoes, every small step is a leap toward our holistic health goals.
Stay stretchy, stay spicy, and as always, stay wonderfully well.
With warmth and wellness,
Maddie
