Health
We’re All Going On Our Summer Holidays By ALICE O’BRIEN
Churchview Psychotherapy, Millstreet Summer is here. That means one thing-holidays. The complicated online bookings have occurred months ago, new socks are bought for the kids, the roof box is attached to the car and the passports have finally arrived, seems like a lot of stress before we even leave the front garden, so why do we do it? Why is the summer break-away so important for our mental health? Firstly, the time off provides us with a break from our regular routine. This everyday routine carries a lot of responsibilities and obligations that can cause stress to build. An annual break allows us to be care-free, to let go of our burdens- even if it is only for a while.
Also, whereas we love our family dearly, we can lose sight of this with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where we are constantly watching the clock or planning the day around activities and events. Time away on holidays can allow us the time to listen to enjoy each other. To enjoy the company and be present without rushing and racing. Taking a break can benefit our physical health by lowering our stress responses, improving our sleep quality and giving us time to be more physically active.
This reduces our risk of burn-out when we return to work following our time off. Time away from deadlines and appointments can reduce the feeling of anxiety we may have during the year. When we return to work after a holiday we can be more productive and focused, which leads to higher job satisfaction and enjoyment in our work life. Holidays are the ultimate selfcare activity. Many of us are too busy during the year to think of ourselves and our own needs. Finding time on our holiday to explore and indulge our passions can give us the TLC we need. Holidays come in all shapes and sizes. So, if your holiday involves reading four books by a pool, hiking the highest mountains or going to theme parks with the kids, make sure it recharges your batteries enough until the next one.
The Benefits of Resistance Training By SIOBHAN O’SULLIVAN SOS Fitness
Resistance training is doing exercise with some form of added weight or resistance. The added weight can be your bodyweight or light dumbbells. Resistance training is important for all ages as it is designed to improve strength and endurance. I have heard people say to me “I am too old to be lifting weights” or “lifting weights will make me bulky”. Neither of these are true. Resistance training is important
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to improve muscle strength which can help protect you from injury. This is even more important as you age and are at risk of a fall. It will improve bone density and strength and reduce the risk of bone illnesses such as osteoporosis. Regular resistance training can also help with day-to-day tasks like lifting a child up, bending down to pick something up off the floor or bring in the shopping from the car. It can also help if you are trying to manage your weight. No matter what your age or physical ability, resistance training can provide benefits for everybody. It does not have to be a 1.5-hour gym session or endless squats. Doing a resistance-based workout for 30 minute 3 times per week will benefit your body and improve muscle function and strength. Examples of resistance exercises
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everyone can do at home are squats, push ups, lunges, planks and bridges. Complete these exercises three times a week for at least 30 repetitions (3 sets of 10) to improve your muscle strength for the long term. I run fitness classes including bootcamp, kettlebells and pilates in Ballydesmond – you can check these out on bookwhen.com/ sosfitness or message me on 0879585602
Issue 66 June 17th 2022
