Mar 11 2024
Episode 10: Self Care and Stretches for Writers with Dr. Erica Patton, Chiropractor
Send us a Text Message.Self-Care for Writers: Chiropractic Insights and Essential Oil TipsThis episode of Way-Word Writers features Dr. Erica Patton, a chiropractor who discusses the importance of self-care, especially for individuals who spend extended periods sitting and writing. Dr. Patton shares her background, her journey into chiropractic care motivated by personal experiences with migraines, and the joy of balancing work and motherhood. She offers insights into common physical challenges faced by writers, such as upper back tension, headaches, and neck pain, and suggests practical solutions including chiropractic adjustments, specific stretches, and the use of essential oils like frankincense, peppermint, and lavender for their various health benefits. The discussion emphasizes finding balance and listening to one’s body to prevent and address discomfort, with practical tips on posture, incorporating movement into one's routine, and the multifaceted benefits of essential oils in self-care practices.00:00 Introduction to Dr. Erica Patton and Her Journey00:25 Dr. Patton's Personal and Professional Background01:01 Balancing Work and Family Life as a Chiropractor01:44 The Importance of Self-Care for Writers02:19 Common Physical Challenges for Desk Workers02:42 Chiropractic Solutions and Self-Care Tips05:27 Effective Stretches for Neck and Shoulder Relief07:29 Strengthening Exercises for Better Posture10:04 Daily Habits for Preventing Pain and Discomfort13:01 Understanding When to Seek Chiropractic Care15:17 The Role of Essential Oils in Self-Care18:37 Exploring Essential Oils: Favorites and Uses19:06 How to Apply Essential Oils Safely19:53 Internal vs. Topical Use: A Guide to Essential Oils20:39 Creative Ways to Use Essential Oils in Cooking and Self-Care20:48 Essential Oils for Health and Wellness21:23 Self-Care and Relaxation Techniques with Essential Oils24:20 Incorporating Essential Oils into Daily Routines26:02 Adapting Workspaces for Health: Standing Desks and Reading Postures28:09 Finding Personalized Strategies for Movement and Self-Care29:22 Concluding Thoughts on Self-Care and Essential OilsSTRETCHES*Remember we are all different so LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!Neck Stretch:Drop ear to shoulder, try to stretch through the neck. To get a deeper stretch, take onehand and grab the bottom of your chair. You’re going to take the other hand and pull thehead away. Then, look down towards the opposite armpit, and you’ll feel it down theback of your neck.Shoulder Stretch:Go to a doorframe and make a L-shape with your arm. Place the arm up against thedoorframe and lean into it. As you keep the arm parallel to the ground, it’s going to stretch outthe pec muscle and help loosen it up.Strengthening Exercises for Better Posture:Do you ever get a knot between the shoulder blades? You can go up against a wall andmake cactus arm and as you bring the arms down, you want to make sure to keep the shouldersback. You want to imagine you’re pinching a pencil between the shoulder blades. Make slow andcontrolled motions as you do 10-15 reps.Deep Deck Flexor Stretch;Aka the “chicken exercise.” Lay down and bring your chin forward toward the ceilingand then back in as though you’re making a double chin. Go back and forth. This will help withall the computer and writing work.ESSENTIAL OILSFrankincense - (King of Oils because it does everything) a natural anti-inflammatory,antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and antiviral.Peppermint – muscle tension, nausea, upset stomachLavender – soothing, natural sedativeBreathe blend – asthma, breathingChocolate Peppermint Brownie