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Sleep solutions, snorkels and osteopathic techniques: How Osteopaths can get your health back on track

You might be wondering how ‘snorkels’ and ‘Osteopaths’ would ever appear in the same sentence. But having worked as an Osteopath for more than 25 years, Robin Kiashek is no stranger to looking at the bigger picture. Especially when it comes to the topic of health.

At Robin’s London clinics, one appointment could be spent tending to a patient’s chronic back pain. While the next could see him help long Covid patients using the Perrin Technique™.

“When you’re an osteopath, every day is different,” Robin says.

One case which shows the breadth and depth of an Osteopath’s skills was the case of Patient X – who reported a 40% improvement just one week after visiting Robin.

 

The problem

Patient X was referred to Robin by a neurologist.  They presented with intermittent nausea and feelings of constant imbalance. The patient also experienced daily headaches.

 

The medical history

Along with chronic lower back pain, Patient X has a history of tinnitus – a horrible ringing sensation in one both ears.

There was a history of imbalance which would last several minutes when open water swimming. So much so, Patient X would have to lift their head out of the water frequently to see where they were going.

“It would take a day for the patient to recover from the general sense of unwellness and dizziness,” Robin recalls.

 

The diagnosis?

Robin says: “I believe that Patient X’s imbalance resulted from sub-occipital vertebral artery compression.  Which can be exacerbated by cervical extension – as noted with open water swimming.

“The irritation of these nerves during cervical extension, can cause the diaphragm to contract,” Robin explains. “As the stomach sits superior to the diaphragm, any contraction of the diaphragm will cause undue pressure on the stomach, resulting in a sense of nausea.”

 

The treatment?

Robin focused on releasing Patient X’s mid thoracic misalignment, where cervical active movements emanate from, using gentle osteopathic technique.

He avoided direct treatment to the patient’s neck.  Instead, he used medical acupuncture to the trapezii region and to the right pelvic imbalance.

Robin also suggested that Patient X uses a snorkel and mask when swimming, to avoid cervical extension, and invest in a new pillow.

 

The progress speaks for itself

Just one week later, Patient X reported a general 40% subjective improvement.

“Patient X’s imbalance was no longer constant,” Robin says. “The patient also only experienced one headache. After buying a snorkel, mask and a new pillow – Patient X was left feeling a good deal better.”

 

If you are suffering with any kind of health problem, whether it’s headaches, stomach pains, or mobility issues, don’t hesitate to call Robin or book in for an initial consultation.

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Taking the scenic route in 2022

Well, we’re almost through the first month of 2022. I do hope that the year has been kind to all so far.  Much to my surprise, I find myself entering 2022 as a Peloton owner.  So, how did I arrive at static cycling?

Not fit for purpose

For many years, my exercise regime has consisted of regular cycling and swimming. I could be found in the pool at least three times a week doing my 60 lengths. But ironically, I overlooked the fact that what may have been ideal in exercise terms 20 years ago was potentially not quite right as I matured!  As a result, I managed to pick up a nasty knee injury. And, of course, I then continued to ignore my own advice and not take the appropriate time and patience to recover properly.  So, I started the year needing a drastic rethink!

I’m sure I’m not the only one responding with a raised eyebrow to the increasingly frequent Peloton adverts (other bikes are available!).  For me, exercise is important to maintain both physical and mental fitness. But I am far from being a zealot! The motivational shout outs from Lycra clad instructors and opportunities to high 5 others within a static cycling “community” left me rather cold!

Static cycling convert

But, what static cycling does provide is the opportunity to ease into exercise – or the return to it – in a measured and manageable fashion.  It can be low impact and you can stop at any time.  Plus, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.  There are numerous options available, from the serious investment to the DIY home conversion kit.  If the latter is something that appeal then this is a useful article about what’s available.  And there are a variety of Apps that provide access to classes.

Despite some misgivings, I decided to take advantage of a New Year sale (and the fact that availability was temporarily improved in the wake of Big’s death) and opt for a Peleton.  And I’m delighted to report that there’s so much more to it than personal bests, fisting pumping and high fiving.  All of which can be extremely motivational to others I do accept!

I’ve discovered the opportunity to ‘cycle’ some beautiful routes.  Highway 101 (pictured) and different parts of Iceland being personal favourites.  The screen provides the scenery and I‘ve found it surprisingly easy to lose myself in the experience and the new sights.

So what’s the moral of this tale?

As with all good tales, there are several:

  • Now that we ‘ve got all the New Year’s Resolution business out of the way, it’s a good time to reassess your exercise regime. Is it still fit for purpose and fit for you?
  • Be open – both to new exercise regimes and to new experiences in general. I’m very pleased that I managed to set aside my irritation at the thought of group exercise from home!
  • Peleton – could we have an advert that leads on the opportunity for scenic solitary rides for those of us less invested in being part of a pack?

I’d be interested to hear from other Peleton owners and static bike users.  All recommendations for scenic rides (and maybe even the odd class) gratefully received.  But probably not with a high five!

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‘Physical health is mental health’ – why we need to get the balance right

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games might be over. But that won’t stop one particular moment from going down in history.

When Simone Biles – the four-time Olympic gold medallist gymnast – withdrew from the team final in a bid to ‘focus on her wellbeing’, followed by the individual all-round, vault, bars and floor finals, it made headline news across the world.

Some accused the American gymnast of using ill mental health as an excuse. While others praised the 24-year-old for putting her total wellbeing first.

Striking the balance between physical and mental health

At the time, Simone told journalists: “I have to focus on my mental health.

“I just think mental health is more prevalent in sports right now… we have to protect our minds and our bodies and not just go out and do what the world wants us to do.”

This is something Osteopath Robin Kiashek agrees with.

Robin, who has 25 years’ experience in helping his patients achieve physical and emotional wellbeing, is a big believer in taking a holistic approach when it comes to your health.

“Simone wasn’t the first athlete to take a step away to protect her mental health and overall wellbeing – and I’m sure she won’t be the last,” Robin says.

But whether you agree with Simone’s decision or not, striking the right balance between your physical and mental health is a necessity.

“This is because you are more prone to physical injury if you aren’t in the right mental state,” Robin adds. “And once you are injured, rehabilitation can be a long road to recovery. “You only have to watch tennis champion Andy Murray’s touching documentary to witness this. In the documentary we see Andy’s struggle with chronic hip pain, which resulted in many attempts to ‘fix’ the problem, including an unsuccessful surgery.”

 

R is for rehab and rest

We’ve spoken before about how the ‘Next Day Delivery’ culture of expecting results at the click of a button is becoming increasingly prevalent.  And our approach to recovery from injury is no different.

But many patients who have a sports-related injury feel that by ‘keeping calm’ and ‘carrying on’, it can help combat their disruption and control stress.

“When in fact overdoing things can often be a factor in causing the initial injury,” Robin says. “Which is why it’s so important listen to your body.

 

R is also for rest

However, this can be easier said than done. As carrying on as normal is something we are all guilty of doing – Robin included.

Robin recently tore his medial knee meniscus doing excessive breaststroke, which he acknowledges was his own fault.

He said: “As soon as my local swimming pool reopened after the long lockdown, I quite literally dived straight back in to doing the 60 length sessions I was doing prior to this.

Which is why Robin is encouraging everyone to ease back into exercise safely. And be intuitive of your mind and body.

Perhaps when exercising, the words to keep in mind come from the 32-time Olympic and World Championship medallist, Simone, who said: “Physical health is mental health.” Or as the ancient Greeks once said: “Mens sana in corpore sano”, which means: “Healthy in mind, healthy in body”.

 

Robin Kiashek is an Osteopath with 25 years’ experience in the industry. If you are struggling with any condition affecting your body and struggling to find a solution, don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

 

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Menopause – not just a women’s problem

Davina McCall has made a programme about Menopause and it’s well worth a watch.  Women have been increasingly sharing their Menopause experiences in recent years which has helped to break the taboo around this topic.  More open discussions about the physical and emotional issues that this transition can bring are fabulous in terms of helping women to feel supported, get access to the right support and bust some of the myths – particularly around Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

But it’s not just about women supporting other women.  Or, dare I say it, purely about the impact of the Menopause on women.  If a woman suffers badly with Menopause symptoms, it can affect her physical and mental health, her work, her family and, of course, her relationships.

Putting the Men in Menopause

I have been working as an Osteopath for over 20 years.  I see all sorts of patients for a variety of issues and my approach is holistic.  If you come to me with a sore knee then of course I will treat that.  But I’ll also take an extensive patient history including any lifestyle factors that may be affecting your general health.

As a result, patients will often confide in me about their lives and I’m hearing concerns around relationship changes from an increasing number of middle-aged men.  And I suspect that many of these can be attributed to their partners going through the Menopause.

But whilst this is now being more widely discussed by women with women, I still feel that there is work to be done on educating men on the changes that their wives, partners and work colleagues may be managing (and not talking about).

Menopause Symptoms – So, what changes?

Each woman will have a different experience of course.  The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline and her periods stop.  The average age for the Menopause in the UK is 51 but menopause symptoms can strike long before periods stop (up to 10 years in fact) and this is called peri-menopause.  Common symptoms at this time of a woman’s life include:

  • hot flushes.
  • night sweats.
  • vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex.
  • difficulty sleeping.
  • low mood or anxiety.
  • reduced sex drive (libido)
  • problems with memory and concentration.

And of course, all this at a time when they are often coping with caring responsibilities (parents and/or children) or other changes such as children leaving home.

How can I support my partner through the menopause?  

I wouldn’t presume to suggest what men should do to support the women in their life as everyone is different.  But I do have three tips that may be worth consideration:

  • Do your research – watch Davina’s programme or find out more about Menopause on the NHS site
  • Start a conversation. Ask your wife or partner about the specific symptoms they are dealing with and how you can help.
  • Keep the dialogue going. If you feel that your relationship is being impacted then you need to keep talking.

 

Robin Kiashek has been an Osteopath and Naturopath for over 20 years.  He is registered with both The General Osteopathic Council and The British Naturopathic Association.  Robin is also qualified in Western Acupuncture, Autogenic Training and Life Coaching and NLP.  He has clinics in Central London and Finchley.  Call 020 8815 0979 or click here to book an appointment.

 

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Tennis Elbow: How Osteopathy can help hit back at the condition

With the two-week Wimbledon tennis championships set to return from 28th June, we thought now would be the perfect time serve up some awareness about the painful condition, Tennis Elbow.

Despite what the name suggests, the condition doesn’t only affect those who wield a tennis racket.  However, it’s believed to affect 10 to 50% of tennis players during their career and up to just under two million people in the UK.

 

What is Tennis Elbow?

Formally known as lateral epicondylitis – Tennis Elbow causes pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow. According to the NHS, it can last anywhere between six months and two years. If you are suffering from this condition, you might also have problems:

  • Lifting or bending your arm
  • A burning pain in your elbow
  • When using or holding small objects such as a pen, pencil or your phone
  • When twisting your forearm such as turning a door handle or opening a jar
  • Fully extending your arm
  • Pins & needles or numbness in the forearm

What causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow can be caused by overusing the muscles attached to your elbow and used to straighten your wrist.

Any activity that puts repeated stress on the elbow joint cause this painful condition.

So, although this includes tennis players, it can also affect those who play squash, golf, fencing or badminton. Along with professionals such as painters, carpenters, musicians and those who work on an assembly line or on a computer.

How to treat Tennis Elbow?

Robin Kiashek has been a practicing Osteopath for more than 25 years and has treated many people for tennis elbow.

He said: “If you do feel a pain in your elbow, you should stop the activity that is causing the pain until your symptoms improve.

“To ease the pain, sometimes people hold a cold compress on their elbow or a bag of frozen peas wrapped around a tea towel. While others use an elbow strap to project the injured tendon from further strain.

“However, I would suggest coming to see an osteopath initially to obtain an accurate diagnosis and possible causative factors, such as issues with the shoulder and/or hand.  Osteopathic techniques combined with Low Level Laser therapy and/or Acupuncture to the elbow can help in reducing the symptoms, whilst addressing the underlying causative factors.”

How does Osteopathy help with Tennis Elbow?

Osteopaths can treat tennis elbow in using Manual Osteopathic techniques to both the elbow and if necessary, adjacent areas (shoulder, hand).

As confirmed by one study which looked at the power of deep friction massages versus steroid injections in the treatment of tennis elbow: “Deep friction massage is an effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis.”

Robin can also use a combination of Western Acupuncture to relieve the pain and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to help speed up your body’s natural healing process safety and effectively.

If you are struggling with tennis elbow, get in touch with Robin today to book in for a consultation or treatment. If you are suffering from other ailments, whether it’s neck pain, joint pain or headaches, these are all areas that Osteopathy can help improve.

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Patient patients: an Osteopath’s dream

The ‘Next Day Delivery’ culture of expecting results at the click of a button is becoming increasingly prevalent.  Online shopping, crash diets, and intensive driving courses – we’re all eager for immediate solutions and not prepared to wait for results.  And our approach to recovery from injury is no different.

At Robin Kiashek Clinics we often see patients who are very keen to find immediate fixes to injury.  Often so as not to disrupt their exercise routines. But this just isn’t always possible when it comes to injuries.

My approach is to look beyond the injury and take into consideration the emotional wellbeing and lifestyle of the patient.  This enables me to look at ways to prevent a re-occurrence.

Emotional Behaviour and Contributing Factors

Many patients who have a sports-related injury feel that exercise is vital for them in combatting and controlling stress.  But overdoing it at the gym after a long day at work is quite often a factor in causing the initial injury.  And then the patient is reluctant to rest properly because they feel it impacts their ability to manage their stress.  And so the cycle continues.  But rest is a very important part of recovery.  So, in addition to treating their injury, I encourage my patients to engage in new ways of managing stress.  Which means that, even when they are recovered, they have alternative ways of coping with their daily life.

Autogenic therapy is a style of relaxation therapy.  I work with patients over a course of eight sessions to teach them a set of simple mental and physical exercises and techniques, with the aim of taking steps towards restoring and healing body and mind. With a wide range of allied therapies like autogenic training on offer, tackling stress, anxiety and other emotional factors can be incorporated into a patient’s treatment plan.  Ensuring that recovery is emotionally, as well as physically, beneficial.

Lifestyle

My aim is to not only to address current symptoms, but also prevent illness or further injury.   I may use therapies such as Naturopathy, where I work with the patient to identify areas that might be undermining their health.  This could be diet, lifestyle choices, medical history, and physical or emotional circumstances.  The plans I develop for my patients are designed to encourage the body to heal itself and to help guard against future illness or injury.  And our patients agree!

“Professional, highly skilled, holistic – Robin’s treatments have helped reduce my back and neck pain which had plagued me for years. He has taught me how to reduce re-occurrences through exercise and lifestyle change.  I was very despondent before I came to see him and he continues to help me hugely; I’m very grateful.”

Have you picked up an injury or feel that your lifestyle may be impacting your overall health?  Why not book an appointment at either our Central London or East Finchley clinic?  Our specific osteopathy approach can be highly effective in identifying wider health issues and therefore instrumental in fixing the whole self.  Although we still can’t make any promises in terms of next day delivery recovery!

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Suffering from shin splints? Don’t run away from the problem!

Along with runner’s knee and Achilles tendinitis – shin splints are thought to be one of the most common health injuries runners incur.

Shin splints – which are often more formally referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome – are a very common overuse injury. The term refers to a pain that occurs in the front or inner parts of your lower legs, along your shinbone.

According to the latest data, shin splints account for around 11% of injuries in male runners and 17% of injuries in female runners. It’s also prevalent in dancers and those who work in the military.

What are the symptoms?

If you suffer from shin splints, you’ll most likely have a dull pain, ache or throbbing feeling along the front or inner part of your shinbone. But you might notice a few other symptoms including:

  • A pain that gets worse when you exercise
  • Tenderness to touch
  • In some cases, mild swelling can occur
  • The pain seems to go away when you rest

What is the cause of shin splints?

Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on your shinbone and the tissues that attach your muscles to the bone.

They occur because you are putting too much stress and strain on your shin bone and the tissues around it.

 

Why do shin splints occur?

Usually, shin splints flare up because you have overexerted yourself or have pushed your usual exercise limits that little bit further. Generally speaking, you are more likely to get shin splints if you:

  • Have started exercising after not being active for some time
  • Run or jump on hard surfaces
  • Have a poor running technique
  • Are wearing shoes that don’t offer you enough cushioning and support
  • Don’t rest enough between your exercise sessions

How do you get rid of shin splints or prevent them?

In many cases, shin splints can go away with rest. According to the NHS, if you suffer from shin splints you could also try:

  • Wearing trainers that cushion and support your feet properly
  • Building up to the exercise intensity gradually
  • Warming up before any exercise and stretch after exercising
  • Putting an ice pack on your shin for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  • Switching to gentle exercise such as yoga or swimming whilst it is healing
  • Exercising on soft ground, if and when you are feeling better

 

How osteopathy can help with shin splints

Osteopathic treatment can help to reduce the tension deep in the muscle of the leg.

Osteopath Robin Kiashek, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry, said: “I take a holistic approach when it comes to assessing any problem my clients are suffering from. For shin splints, I would look to reduce the tension in the leg muscles and make sure there are no other underlying mechanical problems.

“You might be suffering from the pain in the shin, but other predisposing factors  – like your gait or posture – might be the root cause.  Only after a full biomechanical assessment can we come up with a treatment plan.  If left unchecked these pains might develop into something far more serious.”

Robin Kiashek has dealt with numerous running injuries – including shin splints. Get in touch if you would like to book a treatment or find out more.

 

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Are health and fitness apps making us ‘appy’ or stressing us out?

Optimal Health & Wellbeing

Maintaining optimal health & wellbeing has always important. But never before has there been such a focus on its significance.

“The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has changed all aspects of life – health & wellbeing included,” Osteopath Robin Kiashek said. “The closure of gyms and restrictions on non-essential travel has forced us all to find new health habits.

“At the start of the UK’s first lockdown, we saw a rise in the number of people going for daily walks, the lucky few converted their garages and spare bedrooms into make-shift gyms and there was a boom in virtual workouts in front of our laptops. And to help keep us in check, many people turned to smart tech and fitness apps which can monitor every aspect.”

There’s an App for that

According to the latest stats*, health and fitness apps have seen a ‘steep rise’ in users during the pandemic. Trackable fitness service, Strava now has 73 million users world-wide. Whilst, fitness app Freeletics – which has more than 2 million UK users – saw a 50% increase in its use during the first 2020 lockdown between March and June.

Nowadays there’s an app for everything. You can monitor your sleep with Sleep Cycle, chart your mindfulness with mediation app Headspace and even check your blood oxygen levels with Pulse Oximeter.

But is all this tracking causing more harm than good?

 

Staying active is always good

It’s a well-known fact that regular exercise brings with it huge benefits. In today’s society where sitting in front of the TV, or working at home from a desk all day has become the norm, being active helps to build and maintain strong muscles.

It can also boost energy levels, increase productivity and promote healthy sleep. Staying active also helps to reduce the risk of injury and diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease.

 

Positives of health and fitness apps and smart tech

And these health apps and tracking tools can help keep us on the move and off our sofas. That’s because they have the ability to:

  • Help you set achievable goals
  • Track activity levels – like counting your steps
  • Give you a nudge when it’s time to ‘get active’
  • Give you incentives to work harder or push yourself
  • Keep you motivated – some even show you what your other fitness friends have achieved
  • Show you progress over time and give you the stats to back it up
  • Track your heart rate

Robin says: “The ability to track your heartbeat is of course an important measure in health of fitness. Especially with the spotlight that coronavirus ** has placed on achieving better cardio health. However, as with anything, balance is required.”

 

Health and Fitness – All things in moderation

Recent stats*** revealed by the Office for National Statistics showed how stress and anxiety levels have soared because of the pandemic.

The stats from 2020 showed that 19 million adults in Great Britain reported high levels of anxiety. This was said to be a result of the challenges of home-schooling, work worries and health – in addition to all of life’s other stressors.

 

The key message to keep in mind

Robin added: “So, instead of focusing on the stats and adding another stressor to your plate, try to focus on the here and now.

“How are you feeling? How does your body feel? Do you feel tired? The key message to keep in mind is that these stats are a far more beneficial tool if you use them alongside your natural intuition. Rather than heading outside because your smart watch says you should, do it because you want to. You are still moving – whether that’s to walk around the block and back or going for a 20-minute run.

“We are all learning to live during this very strange time, so don’t let your apps rule you. Make 2021 the year you take back charge of your health and fitness.”

Osteopath Robin Kiashek has more than 25 years’ experience in the health and wellbeing industry. As a leading osteopath, Robin believes in getting to the root of your problems and restoring, healing and developing the body and mind. Get in touch today to discover how Robin can help.

 

* https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-55318822

** https://www.hriuk.org/health/your-health/lifestyle/covid-19-and-heart-health

***https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/coronavirusandanxietygreatbritain/3april2020to10may2020***https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/coronavirusandanxietygreatbritain/3april2020to10may2020

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Relief from back pain – Dr Google isn’t the answer

What can I do to relieve my back pain?

Google searches around back pain, relief for back pain and back pain exercises skyrocketed in 2020. Which is concerning news for me as an Osteopath.

In some ways it’s not surprising. Back pain affects up to 80% of us at some point in our lives. It’s one of the most common reasons for workplace absence and the NHS spends more than £1 billion per year on back pain related costs. Plus, there’s the challenges of the past year – the long term impact of working from home in an imperfect set up, new, different or abandoned exercise routines and the undoubted increase in stress.

So I can understand why, in the absence of the usual access to NHS services, people are turning to other sources. But Google is not the answer.

The good news about back pain

Pain of any sort can be distressing and worrying. It can lead to feelings of stress which can manifest physically as tightened muscles and thus increased pain. And so the cycle builds. But (and this is the important bit!) back pain is rarely due to any serious disease and the long-term outlook is good.

Your spine is made of solid, bony blocks reinforced by strong ligaments and muscles. It is surprisingly difficult to damage. But if strained, the surrounding muscles and ligaments can cause discomfort and pain.

Why Osteopathy for back pain relief?

In the UK, Osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) to practise. They are highly trained professionals skilled in diagnosing health issues.  This includes those that may require further investigation. Osteopathy is a safe and effective way to prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems.  Including back pain.

I qualified in Osteopathic Medicine 25 years ago.  I’ve since trained in various additional complementary disciplines to extend the options I can offer to my patients:

– Western Medical Acupuncture
– Low Level Laser Therapy (also known as Cold Laser Therapy)
– The Perrin Technique for ME/CFS
– Neuro Linguistic Programming & Coaching (NLP)

At your first appointment, I take a full medical and lifestyle history to get a proper understanding of the issue that has brought you to my clinic and of you as an individual. This combined with a physical examination enables me to devise a treatment plan specific to the problems you’re experiencing.

How can an Osteopath help with back pain?

At the Robin Kiashek Clinics, I aim to relieve pain and help strengthen the body, making it less susceptible to discomfort or injury. I also try to understand the lifestyle factors which may have contributed to the onset of pain. My range of gentle and effective treatments to relieve back pain includes manual Osteopathy, Western Acupuncture and Low-Level Laser Therapy.

Through these non-invasive methods and by working closely with your lifestyle, I can help minimise or even resolve symptoms and improve your overall health.

We’ve also recently added another string to our bow. With our Home Office Ergonomics service, we review your home working arrangements and make suggestions for improvement to help minimise the impact on your physical (and emotional) wellbeing.

Relief from back pain at  home – Tips for self-help

Last August I wrote about back pain and millennials – some top tips for prevention. These are useful guidelines for us all and you can read them here.

If you are in pain, please don’t suffer in silence. Early diagnosis and treatment can help with recovery and get you back to usual activities more quickly. Osteopaths are considered essential workers.  As such, I was vaccinated against Covid-19 in January. I also undertake weekly Rapid Flow Antigen Tests to ensure I’m Covid free. I can continue to treat patients in accordance with government guidelines through lockdown. So, please do get in touch.

 

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Could 2020 be the year of the introvert?

In a world where we’re often encouraged to speak up, stand out and make ourselves heard, it feels like introverts have become the poor relation to their noisier extrovert cousins.

But as we move towards a new year, I wonder whether 2020 could finally be time for introverts to have their moment?  In a quiet way of course!  My experience as an Osteopath and Naturopath has shown that there’s a close link between physical, mental and emotional health. And for us to function properly as human beings these need to be in alignment.  So, a less frenetic and outward focussed approach to life could be the way forward.  Introverts certainly have many qualities that often go uncelebrated in these noisy times:

Low maintenance

Introverts are largely independent as they’re not stimulated by or reliant on other people.  In fact, they can find people draining.   Introverts enjoy time spent alone without unwanted stimulation and use it to recharge their batteries.  So, they are less likely to let their reserves run down and retain the ability to recover quicker from setbacks. Today’s society puts a great deal of emphasis on teamwork and being a team player. But introverts often prefer to work independently, which can mean that they require less supervision at work.

Measured

An introvert’s inclination is to reflect and observe rather than react and respond.  So, whilst decisions may take a little longer, they have been properly considered and there is less likelihood of a change of heart.  All of which makes introverts good problem solvers, critical thinkers, planners and, perhaps surprisingly, often good salespeople (they know their product back to front and have considered all possible objections!)

Good friends

Introverts prefer quality relationships over quantity. They are discriminating in who they allow into their world, and they value and nurture the relationships they develop. Introverts really listen to what the other person is trying say in conversation rather than focusing on how they might interject with their own contribution.  They are often more interested in receiving information than divulging it – which makes them very good secret keepers too!

Knowledgeable

Introverts are the kings (and queens) of concentration.  They can immerse themselves in solitary activities like research or writing for extended periods of time. This hyper focus allows them to become extremely well-informed in many areas of interest.   By nature studious and lovers of information, introverts enjoy learning and discovering new things and think that knowledge is power.  But they are also happy to share that expertise with others.

Self-aware

Introverts tend to enjoy thinking about and examining things in their own minds. Including their own preferences, feelings and motivations, how others see them and how they fit into the world.  This often means they are better able to manage their emotions and are inclined to act consciously (rather than react passively).  There is strong scientific evidence that people who know themselves and how others see them are happier.

Obviously we can’t change who we are.  Although if you’re interested in labels and would like to establish whether you’re officially an introvert then there are lots of tests available online including this one from 16Personalities.  In an age when it feels almost compulsory to share our every thought and opinion with our online friends and followers however, I do think we could learn from how introverts value quiet time for recharging.  Perhaps it’s something we could aim to take with us into the new year?

 

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