So this week’s been a bit of a tough one.
I was chatting with someone the other day, and they said, “You seem to be flying through everything, managing work, the kids, the baby… doing so well!” While that’s kind and encouraging, I just wanted to take a moment here to say it’s not always like that.
When you read blogs like this, or scroll through Instagram and Facebook and see other peoples ‘lives’, you’re usually just seeing the highlights, the best bits, the posed moments, the smiles. Sure, life is great in lots of ways… but it’s also messy, loud, exhausting and hard sometimes too.
Take this week’s school photo day. The kids looked beautiful, shirts ironed, hair done properly, everything in place. However, if you saw us leaving the house on a normal day, total chaos! Hair flying, bags forgotten, shouting, shoes on the wrong feet. That’s real life. Well, I think it’s important to be open about that, not to paint everything through rose tinted glasses.
We’ve had very little sleep this week. Baby Jack’s got a cough and he’s been up and down all night. We’re tired and grumpy! Charlotte and I have had a few of those days where you have to gently remind each other that yes, we do still love each other, we’re just running on empty.
There’s been shouting, short fuses and plenty of parenting guilt. On the upside, there’s also been small joys, doing our best to be present with the kids, even when we’re knackered. That’s real family life.
Today, we’ve got Kit’s football match, the mighty Onslow Sharks vs. the Milford Pumas (you’ve probably seen it on Sky Sports big game). Later, I’m heading out with my dad to watch Guildford Rugby, which will hopefully include a couple of beers and a chance to catch my breath.
Tonight? The plan is simple – rest, reset and maybe, just maybe, catch up on a bit of sleep.
So if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed right now, know this, you’re not alone! Behind every shiny photo and every neat little blog post is a messy, beautiful, imperfect life. Just like yours. Just like mine.
Your Mind Matters: Why Mental Health Is Key to a Healthy Spine
Last month, we explored how stress can sneak into your shoulders, stiffen your spine, and leave your body feeling like it’s been carrying the world. This week, we’re circling back not just to talk about stress again, but to remind you why your mental health deserves as much care as your physical spine.
We’ve seen it time and again how the mind and body mirror each other. When you’re anxious, your breathing shortens. When you’re overwhelmed, your muscles brace. When life feels heavy, so does your posture.
The Mental–Spinal Connection
Think about the last time you were under pressure. Maybe you clenched your jaw, hunched over your desk, or caught yourself holding your breath. That’s your nervous system reacting to mental strain and your spine takes the hit.
Have you ever got to a Friday and thought ‘wow my shoulders are round my ears, I’m so tense!’
When stress builds up, your muscles stay in a low level “fight or flight” mode. Over time, this tightness restricts joint movement, alters posture, and even contributes to back pain or headaches. It’s your body’s way of whispering, “Slow down.”
Taking Care of Your Mental (and Spinal) Health
You don’t need a major lifestyle overhaul just consistent, simple habits that help your body and mind reset together.
Here are our favourite West Chiropractic self care tips:
- Move gently every day: A short walk, a few stretches, or even mindful breathing helps your spine and mind unwind.
- Stay hydrated: Water helps your muscles and spinal discs recover faster and stay flexible. You should try and drink 1 litre for every 40kg of body weight, so if you are 80kg then 2 litres per day.
- Take posture pauses: Every 30 minutes, roll your shoulders, open your chest, and breathe deeply.
- Disconnect daily: Step away from screens – your neck and nervous system will thank you.
- Talk it out: Sharing what’s on your mind can ease the invisible tension your body’s been holding.
And of course, regular chiropractic care helps restore alignment not just physically, but mentally too. Many patients tell us they leave feeling “lighter” and “more grounded.” That’s the power of reconnecting your body to balance.
A Gentle Reminder of Spine and mental wellness
Your spine tells your story every stress, every sigh, every smile. Taking care of your mental health isn’t separate from your Chiropractic journey; it’s part of it.
So this week, give yourself permission to slow down, breathe deeper, and do something kind for your mind.
Because when your head and heart feel supported, your spine follows.
References
- Passatore, M. et al. (2021). Psychophysiological mechanisms linking stress and postural muscle activation. Frontiers in Physiology.
- Chu, E. C. et al. (2020). Cortisol-related muscular tension in individuals with chronic stress. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
- Thompson, L. et al. (2022). Chronic stress and altered pain thresholds: Implications for spinal pain perception. Pain Research and Management.
- Haavik, H. et al. (2019). Neurophysiological responses to chiropractic adjustments and their influence on stress regulation. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
- Carter, R. et al. (2023). Hydration, spinal disc function, and musculoskeletal performance. Nutrients.
If you are wanting to chat more about the information above then why not book a call with me and we can go into more detail? Click here to book or if you want to get an assessment then Book a consultation with a Chiropractor here
If you do know someone who wants more advice, please send them our details. You can send them this assessment as well to diagnose their back pain. It is a great tool to understand where your back pain is coming from, it is free and takes 60 seconds. Click here for assessment
