#LiveWholeHealth

When we sit in one position for a while, whether at your computer or elsewhere, we may start to feel tight or achy. A gentle twist can be a nice change in your position and perspective.

Practicing self-massage is not only safe, it is a good way to release tension that can cause headaches and contribute to grumpy moods.

As 2020 comes to an end and we prepare for the new year, it is a great time to reflect on the past year and focus on intention setting for the year ahead.

2020 was a year of shifting patterns, routines and norms. We have been stuck in the house so long that it may feel like you will not remember what it is like to get back to living life to the fullest when we finally throw open our doors.

changing your breathing—slowing it down, taking deeper breaths, controlling your exhale—releases endorphins (“feel-good hormones”), removes toxins from your body, slows your heart rate, and provides oxygenated blood that makes every system work more efficiently.  Just this one simple action makes everything else better.

As the temperatures drop and days get shorter, it may be time to think about different ways to get yourself moving. Chair yoga is a great way to move your body and tap into your breath.

Acupressure may not be your first thought during the holiday season, as this time of year should be spent filled with family, friends, food, and memories. But this year everything will look different, and these couple of months could be stressful. Even if you love the holiday season, the expectations and extra work can be overwhelming. When you notice yourself feeling edgy, it's a perfect reminder that self-care is essential during the holidays, and every day.

Stress plays an important part in our day to day life. Left unchecked, it can affect our ability to feel balanced, both mentally and physically.  Allowing yourself space and time to recognize and release those feelings of excess stress is an important part of self-care.

Many people suffer from headaches from time to time. Maintaining good lifestyle habits, like eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and drinking enough water can reduce the frequency of headache episodes for many. Knowing simple self-care strategies for relief can make headaches more tolerable.

Warm up with our Healthy Teaching Kitchen’s recipe for African Sweet Potato Stew! This heart healthy recipe is packed with fiber and beta-carotene.

Mindfulness is about giving yourself permission to slow down, to be fully engaged in the moment without judgement. Becoming aware of your surroundings, thoughts, feelings, and sensations that you might be experiencing allows you to become more thoughtful with how you respond to moments in your daily life.

To provide well-rounded health care, VA seeks complementary medical providers and traditional health care professionals interested in this approach.