Health and Well Being

It’s been ages since my last Wellness Wednesday post. I think the last one was about a year ago, when I shared about embracing good posture. Today, I’m sharing how I finally got treatment for TMJ jaw pain after years of thinking there was probably no real solution. Me of little faith! My Jaw Pain Story I’d had jaw pain for I don’t even know how many years. It became one of those annoying things I just accepted and thought, “Oh well, once you’re getting older, there’s always some kind of pain to deal with.” I figured this was just my life now and secretly thanked God it wasn’t something worse. Yep, I’ll take jaw pain over other things any day. One day, I was talking to my lovely work friend, and somehow we got onto the topic of troublesome jaws. I showed her how bad mine had become. When I opened my mouth, it would fully zig-zag before closing again. “Look,” I said. “Open, close, open, close. Click, click, click.” My friend was a bit horrified and politely asked me to stop before I damaged my jaw further. She then told me about a physiotherapist she was seeing who specialised in TMJ. TMJ is a jaw issue where the joint and muscles don’t work together properly, causing clicking, pain and tightness. She said they don’t just treat the jaw itself but also look at things like muscle tension, posture and how you’re moving your jaw day to day. When I Finally Got Help So I went home and didn’t do anything about it because me and medical things… we’re not really friends. But then I thought I’d stop being a baby and go deal with the issue. The pain was only getting worse, and popping Panadol and Nurofen wasn’t ideal. So, thanks to my friend’s recommendation, I booked in for TMJ jaw pain treatment at Sutherland Shire Physiotherapy and finally started my road to no pain. TMJ Jaw Pain Treatment The physio assessed how my jaw was moving. She checked how it opened and closed, the clicking, and that zig-zag motion I’d been showing everyone. She worked her magic hands through the tight muscles around my jaw, temples and upper neck. I didn’t even realise how much tension I had been holding. This included the masseter muscles along my cheeks and the temporalis at my temples. She also gently released deeper muscles from inside my mouth (which I later learned are part of the jaw stabilising muscles). She also did some gentle neck traction and guided my jaw through slow, controlled movements. This helped it start tracking more smoothly again. Dry Needling, Exercises, and What I’m Doing Now In the sessions since then, I’ve also had dry needling, which is similar to acupuncture. She used it in two places in my jaw to release really tight muscle tension. I’ve also been given exercises to do at home, involving gentle jaw movements and relaxation, to help retrain how everything is working. I’ve had four sessions so far, with one more to go. After that, it’s up to me to keep doing the exercises and retraining my jaw so everything keeps moving the way it should. TMJ Jaw Pain Treatment Actually Works! And just like that, even after the first appointment, I already felt better. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the treatments did leave me sore for a few days afterwards, especially the neck traction—whoa! But my jaw feels so much better now, and that knot in my neck is completely gone. I don’t know why I never fully believe treatments like this will work. It was the same when I saw a podiatrist for my sore back, which had been bothering me for ages. I only went after my husband encouraged me, and didn’t really expect it to make much difference. But the wonderful podiatrist fitted me with custom-made orthotics, and the pain just went away… poof! Don’t Ignore Jaw Pain If you have jaw pain that’s having a domino effect on the rest of your body, don’t ignore it like I did for so long. Go and get it sorted because TMJ physio really helps. Future you will 100 per cent thank you!  

Hi friends, it’s time to link up with Adrienne, Dara, Joanne and Jen to share our grocery list frequent buys. I do the bulk of my shopping online, but every three weeks or so, I go to Aldi because I love trying some of their special food finds. Oh, and also to stock up on toilet paper — theirs is the best. Just don’t tell anyone, or it will be sold out. So, for this post, I consulted my Woolworths app, which told me these are my frequent buys. Grocery List Frequent Buys Protein and Dairy My gym-loving, weight-lifting, healthy-eating son is all about protein, so these are our regular grocery list buys: High protein milk Eggs Greek yoghurt High protein cheese Turkey mince Salmon Oat milk for me because I like it in coffee Bread and Pantry Staples Bread (high protein bread) Corn thins Rice Canned tomatoes (Mutti) Vegetables Tomatoes Mushrooms Potatoes Green beans Zuchinni Carrots Avocados Butter lettuce Asian salad kits (perfect with salmon) Fruit Bananas Apples Fruit that’s in season–at the moment we are eating lots of nectarines, grapes and watermelon Extras Sour cream Orange juice Pickles–We love our pickles! Our cousin Connect group is divided into two camps: Team Pickle and Team No Pickle. In our house, we are Team Pickle all the way! Cashew nuts for snacking Cat food These are my grocery list frequent buys. Oh yes — and I also buy the Cadbury Hazelnut Chocolate when it’s half price at $4.00. Ain’t no way I’m paying $8.00 for a block of chocolate now that my monthly cravings are a thing of the past, thanks to menopause. Now it’s your turn. What’s on your frequent buys list? Share in the link-up so we can compare. Have a great day! In Case You Missed It In January, we shared ways to stay warm in winter, and in February, we shared binge-worthy shows.  

Hi friends, and welcome to this month’s Share Our Lives linkup. Today we’re chatting about how we take a break. Hmmm… how do I take a break? Well, I guess that really depends on a few things—like the season of life I’m in, what kind of day I’m having, and what I feel I need most in that moment. Breaks can be as simple as a small pause to reset (hello hormones and emotions), or they can be a mental holiday, where I let my mind wander. They can also be bigger, like fun getaways, trips, school term breaks, special occasions, or those glorious guilt-free days when I give myself permission to have a do-nothing (or almost nothing) day. So let’s get into it—come along with me as I share how I take a break. Micro-breaks I think micro-breaks are total sanity savers! They’re those tiny moments when you sneak away somewhere you can be alone—even if it’s just for a minute—to breathe before you lose your mind. Haha, I remember when the kids were little and the bathroom was the only place I could take a break. I’d lock the door and just sit there, taking a moment for myself. Have you ever done that? Mental holidays Sometimes I do a mental escape—in other words, I daydream. I’ll relive past trips or plan future ones (I’m starting to feel brave about getting on a plane now!). Other times, I let my mind wander to winning the lotto and how I’d decorate my mansion, especially thinking about what kind of lighting my walk-in wardrobe would have. A chandelier is way too much, so I’d probably go for sleek recessed lighting. Daydreaming like this might seem silly, but it’s a pretty good way to give your brain a break. It lets me step away from whatever is stressing me out at the moment and just have a bit of fun in my head, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Walking I walk to and from work. That walk before work is a mental break that helps me get ready for the day ahead. “Yes, today is going to be the best day ever” is my mantra. The walk home helps me shake off the stress and ringing in my ears from the constant noise at work. Walking is not only part of my routine, it’s also one of my favourite ways to take a break. Term Breaks and Special Occasions I’m so lucky to work in a preschool because we get term breaks! That means three glorious two-week breaks and then a big five-week break at the end of the year. I don’t think I would have lasted this long working in early childhood education if it weren’t for those precious term breaks. For me, special occasions like Christmas, public holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings are also a break. Unless you’re hosting, of course—then it’s all systems go! These special occasions are fun things to look forward to and a nice break from the usual routine. Do-Nothing Days Every now and then (though not as often as I’d like), I give myself a proper do-nothing day. That’s when I have no plans and decide, yep, today I’m doing nothing. But I can only do that now because my kids are grown and my husband works evenings, so I’m often home alone. When the kids were little and I was caring for my beautiful mum, a do-nothing day was impossible. Yikes — the house would have fallen apart! Do-nothing days are great. I’m still working on not feeling guilty about them, but that’s a whole other post. And that’s how I take a break! I also do things like enjoy a cup of tea, play Candy Crush, do a Duolingo lesson, and scroll through Pinterest for fashion and home decor inspiration. Thanks for stopping by. I’d love to hear what your go-to breaks are because we all sure do need them, don’t we? Have a wonderful day! Linking up with Adrienne, Dara, Jen, Joanne and Sarah.

I wrote a post about my simple wellness routine the other day, and it got me thinking. While I was talking about staying hydrated, which is a classic healthy habit, I realised that some healthy habits that aren’t so healthy may have quietly snuck into our lives I mean, drinking water is obviously important. But lately, I’ve started wondering if this solid advice may have just gotten a little out of hand. And at the risk of sounding dramatic… even something as basic as water can go too far. Yep — too much of it, and you’re looking at some real health risks. So I thought it might be a good time to take a look at a few other wellness habits that seem healthy, but maybe aren’t so healthy after all. Healthy Habits That Aren’t So Healthy 1. Drinking a Lot of Water (Even When You’re Not Thirsty) As I said before, we all know that hydration is important. But there is such a thing as drinking too much water. Drinking way more than your body needs can throw off your electrolyte balance and cause something called hyponatremia. That’s when your blood gets too diluted with water, and your sodium levels drop too low. It can make you feel dizzy, confused, or even seriously sick. What to do instead: Listen to your body. If you’re thirsty, drink. But if you’re running to the toilet every 20 minutes and you’re feeling any unusual symptoms, maybe ease up. 2. Waking Up at 4 am Because “Successful People Do It” Not everyone is made for those super early mornings, and I know for sure that I’m definitely not a morning person. Even if I go to bed early, dragging myself out of bed before 6 am is just too tough. If waking up at 4 am works for you, that’s great! But please don’t be hard on yourself if it doesn’t. If you’re forcing yourself up super early just because “successful people do it” and you feel like a zombie, that’s not really being productive — it’s more like a punishment. What to do instead: Find a rhythm that works for you. Let go of the pressure to copy someone else’s habits. Success looks different for everyone. Your best start time is when you’ve had enough sleep to feel good and be productive, without needing six cups of coffee to get through the day. 3. Cutting Out Entire Food Groups Unless you have a medical reason, cutting out entire food groups might do more harm than good, mentally and physically. Food fear isn’t wellness, it’s stress in disguise. What to do instead: Eat in a way that makes you feel good, not guilty. Like that viral YouTube video says, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!” 4. Forcing Gratitude When You’re Actually Struggling Gratitude journals are great… when you’re in the headspace for them. But when life feels heavy, trying to force gratitude can feel more like toxic positivity than self-care. You’re allowed to feel the hard stuff — and sometimes, you need to. Sitting with uncomfortable emotions is all part of being human.  But of course, drowning in them forever isn’t the goal either. What to do instead: Make space for the whole range of feelings — not just the shiny, happy ones. Gratitude should feel like support, not another thing on your “how to be a better person fast” list. 5. Always Saying Yes to “Self-Care” That Feels Like a Chore Some days, there’s just no time (or energy) for an elaborate self-care routine — and that’s totally okay. Be kind to yourself, do one small thing that helps you get through the day, and move on. Small wins still win. What to do instead: Do self-care your way. Sometimes that means rest. Sometimes that means pizza. 6. Taking a Stack of Supplements Without Medical Advice Supplements aren’t lollies. Too much can be harmful and expensive. What to do instead: Talk to your doctor before starting anything new. 7. Obsessing Over 10,000 Steps a Day Did you know that the 10,000 steps goal was totally made up? It started in Japan as a catchy marketing idea, not science. The truth is, any extra movement counts — whether it’s 5,000 or 8,000 steps. Movement matters, not the numbers. What to do instead: Move naturally. Some days more, some days less. No guilt. 8. Eating Tons of Protein Because “Muscle Gains” Protein is good for us, but I’m not 100% sure if eating loads of it is actually better. I’ve heard that too much protein might stress your kidneys or crowd out other important nutrients. Maybe balance is the real secret here? I’m still figuring this out myself — not because I’m chasing some protein diet goal, but because my son lifts weights and he’s all about the protein. We’ve had plenty of chats, and I’m not convinced that a ton of protein powder, eggs, and chicken breast is the answer. Young people, hey? What to do instead: Keep it simple and balanced. Protein’s important, but I think a diet with variety and moderation is where it’s at. No need to go overboard—just listen to your body and enjoy your food. And also don’t forget to listen to your mums! So there you have it — some classic wellness tips that might just fall into the category of Healthy Habits That Aren’t So Healthy. Yikes! I guess at the end of the day it’s all about finding what truly works for you, getting rid of pressure, guilt and keeping things real. Healthy habits should be about balance, kindness, listening to your own body, and getting advice from health professionals, instead of just copying the latest social media trends. Quick disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or dietitian — just sharing my own thoughts and experiences. .

Hi friends! Today I’m sharing my simple wellness routine—what I do to stay healthy and (mostly) balanced. The word “wellness” can sound like this big, intimidating, life-consuming goal. Something grown-ups have to do to stay alive. But for me, it’s more about the small, manageable things I do to keep things running smoothly. You know, the things that help me stay on track with my health and energy levels. As seductive as the Instagram wellness world can be with its detoxes and sunrise yoga, my routine is far more laid-back and… well, simple. Here it is! My Simple Wellness Routine Walking I don’t go to the gym. Years ago, I tried, and although I loved the idea of it, you know, wearing all the cute gym wear and all. The reality for me was different. I felt overwhelmed and silly, not knowing what to do with those machines. And I found that the whole gym atmosphere just wasn’t for me. Instead of going to the gym, walking is how I stay active. It’s my non-negotiable in my simple wellness routine. Walking helps me clear my head—I could’ve walked to Perth today, it was one of those days! I walk to work, I walk to the shops, and even on the days when the car is available, I still choose to walk because I love it. There’s no better feeling than popping in my earbuds and listening to some music, a good podcast, or a few positive affirmations. And I’m usually walking at a good, fast pace—mainly because I cut it fine and leave home with just enough time to get to work on time. My Simple Skincare Routine I keep things super simple here. Cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, and that’s about it. I did recently add an eye cream to the mix—always trying to keep those eye bags under control! Food I love food and eat lots of whole foods, veggies, and healthy fats (gotta keep that hereditary cholesterol under control). I actually grew up this way and have my mum to thank for it. She always made sure we had a well-balanced, healthy diet. She was juicing fruit and vegetables before juicing was even a thing. Always ahead of her time, she was! I prefer to avoid pre-packaged and overly processed foods, and I like cooking from scratch. But I also believe a simple wellness routine should leave room for treats, so I’m all for the occasional meat pie, pizza, or hot dog—yum! Stay Hydrated Some days, I’m terrible at staying hydrated, and forget to drink enough—then I end up with a headache. But most days, I do alright. I start my day with a glass of water because I take thyroxine first thing in the morning. Now that we’re talking about hydration, I need to get something off my chest. I’m starting to think that this whole hydration obsession might be a bit over the top. I mean, sure, water is great, but I think there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing. Yes, drinking water is important, but it’s also possible to overdo it. I’m especially worried about this huge Stanley Cup trend where people are carrying around giant water bottles all day. Too much water can lead to hyponatremia, which is something people definitely don’t talk about enough. Hyponatremia is when you drink so much water that it actually lowers the sodium levels in your blood, messing with your electrolyte balance. I know because this happened to someone I know, and she ended up in the hospital on a drip. Not to freak anyone out, but yes, you can die from drinking too much water. It’s rare, but it happens, so be careful. Health Checks Ugh, this one’s tricky. I do keep up with the important health checks—mammograms, blood tests, eye check and the other one with the cringey name (you know the one I mean). But I’d be lying if I said I’m not a champ when it comes to avoiding medical things I don’t want to deal with. My to-do list should really be called the “to-don’t-want-to” list. Still, I try. Because part of my simple wellness routine means I have to be brave. But I know I need to work on not being so dramatic and afraid of what the results might be. Mindful Moments This is still a work in progress, but I really try to pause and be present because it’s an important part of my wellness routine. I love enjoying a cup of tea at the end of a busy day, or simply taking a few deep breaths, and stopping myself from clenching my teeth! These mindful moments are essential to clear my head and stay sane. If you’re looking for more ways to care for yourself in a simple, practical way, take a look at my post Self-Care Tips That Will Change Your Life for some easy tips to add to your wellness routine. What My Simple Wellness Routine Looks Like Movement: Walking daily Skincare: Simple and consistent Food: Home-cooked and balanced (with room for treats) Health: Check-ups when I stop procrastinating Mindful Moments: Taking time to pause and be present And that’s my simple wellness routine. It’s nothing fancy or scheduled–just some habits that are good for my body and mind. Thanks for reading! Linking up with Erika and Shay