Welcome to the RPT Blog where we share knowledge and help you understand your health
Today we are talking about how to care for yourself after you have surgery- this could be anything from a C-Section to a knee replacement. The info contained here isn’t super specific but that doesn’t make it any less important!!
Having surgery and recovering from it can be a very challenging process physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you elect to have it done or the procedure is absolutely vital to your health and well-being, surgery is trauma to your body: it takes a toll.
Today we want to talk about birth control (BC). There is a lot of information out there and it can definitely feel overwhelming to pick the type that is right for you, your body and your situation. And that is why we are here to help at Recharged PT! If you’re considering taking (or changing) birth control – commonly known as contraception – there are a variety of options available to you. Each one works a bit differently and comes with its own set of pros and cons. There is no “best” method of birth control.
One important thing to *note* here is that a lot of “Dr. Google” resources on SUI is that Kegels (tightening your PF muscles) will help with leakage by making the muscles stronger. But this is usually not the case!! The vast majority of people with pelvic floor dysfunction (and SUI) have have PF muscles that are too tight – NOT too loose. Because muscles need to be a certain length to work optimally, a muscle that is too loose OR too tight can be weak.
Holiday Burnout
What to look for during this holiday season!
And just like that….the holidays are almost upon us once again. It certainly can be the most *wonderful* time of the year. But sometimes the holidays can also be quite stressful. And, often with the new year, we may look back and take stock. What worked this year….what maybe could be improved. Last time we talked about our sympathetic (“fight or flight”) nervous system and how it has been primed for sensitization with all the stresses we experience on a daily basis. Let’s take it a step farther and look at burnout. According to the American Psychological Association, burnout is “physical, emotional or mental exhaustion, accompanied by decreased motivation, lowered performance and negative attitudes towards oneself and others.”
We often tend to associate burnout with our jobs. It’s been especially prevalent in the news with healthcare professionals and teachers during the pandemic. Sometimes burnout can creep into other aspects of our lives: it can sneak up on us, where you are beyond “too tired to function.” Or maybe you like to stay busy, stacking up your to-do list with so many tasks that you don’t notice. Burnout often happens when work-life balance becomes dysregulated.
Some people often ask if burnout is the same as depression? The symptoms of one can often mirror the other. One major difference is that burnout is not considered a medical condition. Burnout is also often related to a specific situation or environment that gets the ball rolling. In other words, change the situation, the burnout may improve. Depressive symptoms tend to be more generalized.
So what can we do about it? One of the most important things is to talk about it. Whether to your family or friends, co-workers or even your boss — if they feel approachable. It may also be helpful to seek out a licensed counselor who specializes in burnout. Addressing your mental health is essential. It may also be helpful to schedule personal breaks and check-ins. This can be daily or hourly. Set an alarm on your phone and take a moment to reflect, maybe a deep breath. Exercise is also a good idea. Whether that’s using that same alarm to take a 2 minute walk or going to the gym. Practicing mindfulness and working on being emotionally present could also help. Whatever it is, establishing a daily routine that implements these tools is essential.
Burnout is often associated with work. But the pandemic has showed us that burnout can affect all different parts of our lives. It’s important to keep an eye out for it. Our “hustle” culture can make us particularly vulnerable. And with the holidays coming up, it’s important to check in with yourself — and add in the self care tasks that help protect your heart and your mind!
References
https://positivepsychology.com/burnout/
https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/burnout-recovery
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/signs-of-burnout/
—Katy F.
—Jill K.
—Mary B.
