Bring Back the Balance

BALANCE is the state of being that we aim to achieve and work towards at the Alpha Spine Center in the midst of any season of life. As we provide the best chiropractic care through gentle upper cervical manipulation for spine health, we also encourage a holistic mindset to 5 interconnected areas of health. This is categorized as SPECS: spiritual, physical, emotional, chemical, and social health. ​ 
Our daily balance is like a scale. When any single area of health is neglected, the entire scale becomes imbalanced. This means every part of our health is equally important. Whichever blend of stressors that you are currently going through, it is time to get creative to get back to balancing our 5 SPECS of health. First, take some time to fill out the attached self-assessment to see where you rate your areas of health and wellbeing:

(1) TAKE THE SELF ASSESSMENT TEST: 
 
​Assess your BALANCE by using a 10-point scale for each of these areas. I rate my areas 0-10, 10 meaning I am knocking it out of the park! 0 means I need a drastic change in my daily habits to restore it. 

When you honestly assess these areas, look at the area that needs the most work and make a small change in your lifestyle to improve. 
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(Ex. Physical- if you score a 1 on exercising, make a goal to walk or in-home workout 2 times that week.) 

(2) CREATIVE WAYS TO FIND BALANCE:
SOCIAL:  Imbalance is a big one these days. Though social media has great applications and connectivity when used intentionally and with good boundaries, there a much more widespread problem with isolation, low self-esteem, negativity, and inadequate social interaction caused by these online media platforms. Get yourself out there with family or friends doing activities in real life, having a conversation of a coffee, taking a hike with friends, planning game nights, or even connect with friends online over video calls or video games. If you have found yourself living in a place without many close relatives or friends, try connecting to like-minded people through useful apps such as Meetup or Eventbrite, or looking into social clubs or churches in the area. Investing in a social support network is VITAL to our well-being

PHYSICAL:  Stay ACTIVE! You don’t have to become a 6-day-a week Crossfitter to benefit from physical activity. Going on regular walks and jogs, engaging in yoga or Pilates, or joining a local pickle ball or cycling club are great ways to keep in shape, release the “feel good” hormones to your brain, and keep your body moving. If you don’t have time to get out as much, there are plenty of online workout routines to choose from as well, many of which are FREE. Try the 7 day free trial on the Beach Body App, or peruse YouTube for free videos of in-home workouts! Also, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water while doing any physical activity. As you age, staying active is the BEST THING YOU CAN DO to STAY YOUNG. Keeping your spine in alignment through regular NUCCA care and chiropractic management are critical in keeping you in peak condition to do the physical activities you love.

EMOTIONAL:  First of all, take a break from the news and negative media outlets. There is SO MUCH that is out of our control. Using your social support network when you are struggling emotionally and mentally is encouraged, as well as connecting with a therapist or counselor who connects with well and helps you keep YOU in check. If the walls feel like they are closing in from the ever so common depression and anxiety, or if you find yourself in a time of grieving and hardship, don’t struggle alone.

CHEMICAL:  Diet has so many implications on our overall wellbeing. It is tempting to get fast food to save cost and convenience, but try to balance this with cooking whole foods at home. Even though the grocery bills have gone up, finding creative ways to cook healthier meals at home are a great way to start eating healthier. Try to balance your weekly and daily alcohol consumption and try out detox diets that are right for you.

SPIRITUAL:  Take even 15 minutes of your long days to just sit and be still in prayer or meditation. With the extra time, you could delve back into the word, or take time to relax the mind through guided meditation apps such as Calm or Headspace. You can also take this time to journal your thoughts and let out your ideas, hopes, fears, and desires onto paper.

Our amazing team of NUCCA doctors and chiropractic care specialists are here to answer any questions you may have in getting the balance back to your spine and overall health. We are more than your traditional chiropractor. We are a group of three upper cervical doctors and supported by an incredible patient care team located in the heart of Milton / Alpharetta, GA who are ready to walk alongside you in your journey back BALANCE.

Yours in Better Health,

The Alpha Spine Center Doctors

Dr. Bryan J. Salminen, DC

Dr. Andrew Salminen, DC