Hello, Welcome to our first newsletter of 2021. Often the beginning of a New Year brings with it resolutions of one sort or another. In light of that I thought it might be helpful to focus on our own ‘self-care’ hoping to resolve to provide ourselves with a little extra ‘self-care’. Now some people or even us, may say we should be looking after others before ourselves! In fact the reverse is true.  How can we care for others, undertake our work or leisure activities well or competently if we have not or are not caring for our own well-being? If you are reading this you have already engaged in some ‘self-care’ through Bowen Therapy.  So if you think it would be a good idea to begin 2021 by making time for you then mention this newsletter and we will give you 20% off your next session booked during January 2021.  Remember, though, this is just one step in caring for you!. Essentials for whole ‘self-care’:

• Food – Fresh, nutritious food; fruit, vegetables, small portions of protein , seeds & grains (if there are no allergies). Treats allowed occasionally.
• Water – it is essential for all life. Our body is made up of approx. 60% water. Our brain, heart, lungs, kidneys and all the other systems of our body, including our bones need water to be able to function. If you would like more information on the importance of water in the body you can use this link: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
• Exercise – I’m not suggesting any of us start running marathons! However, movement is essential for our well-being too.  Walking is the simplest form of gentle exercise most of us can undertake.  There are also other gentle options and even seated exercises for those that have restricted movement.
• Quiet time – mindfulness – meditation – contemplation – time to be!  Choose whatever title you prefer to ensure you have some time for you. We all have busy lives in one way or another and it is important to make time to quieten your mind, take a deep breath and simply ‘be’ for a few minutes. Some people choose to read, take a bath, listen to music or sit under a tree. There is no right or wrong way.
• Social Contact – having positive contact with our family and or friends, particularly as we age, can help immensely: a cup of tea, a regular social group outing, book club, golf, cards, mothers’ groups, team sport; these types of activities all help to draw us out of our shell. If you can’t meet in person, write a letter, send a card, make a phone or video call or connect online.
• Sleep – Getting enough good, sound sleep is essential to our overall health and well-being. Not enough or disrupted sleep will not only affect us during our workday but long term poor sleep habits have been known to adversely affect our health too.
• Bowen Therapy –  of course I’m going to say Bowen Therapy as the gentle, non-invasive body therapy that helps our body go from our ‘fight or flight’ stressed state to a state of relax and restore. A very common comment at the end of a Bowen session is; “I feel like I melted into the table and feel so relaxed.”

What I have listed above are merely simple daily, weekly or monthly steps we can all take to care for ourselves during 2021. In making that commitment of some self-care we are then better able to care for and be there for those we love and who are important in our lives. If you would like to make an appointment, at 20% discount, for a Bowen Therapy session to begin your ‘self-care’ year you can call me on: 0438 148 842  or book online at:  www.bowenhealththerapy.com.au Remember also we have two rooms available so if the online booking looks full just call and we can check to see if the second room is free for you. PLEASE NOTE: As of 1^st January 2021 all businesses in NSW are required by NSW Health to have people ‘check in’ via a QR code.  This will be available upon entry for you to ‘check in’.  If you experience difficulties with this I am more than happy to assist.  If you don’t possess a smart phone you will be required to complete a paper Statement of Health. Thank you for your understanding. Wishing you all the best for 2021 and remember in the busyness of life take care of you! Take care and kind regards Katrina

“Don’t sacrifice yourself too much,

because if you sacrifice too much

there’s nothing else you can give

and nobody will care for you.”

 – Karl Largerfeld