Back to Basics: Real Health, Made Simple

There’s no shortage of health advice out there these days. From a trending superfood, or the latest workout routine guaranteed to get results, to TikTok trends… it can all get a little overwhelming. What’s actually good for you? Which diet is right? Should you be lifting weights or walking barefoot on the beach?

We get it. That’s why we want to bring it back to something we believe in deeply at Health Shack, the basics. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life. You don’t need to buy into the latest health fad. Instead, we encourage you to anchor into a few core principles that support your wellbeing day after day, year after year.

Here are 6 simple health foundations we live by:

1. Eat food from nature.

We don’t mean every natural food will suit your body (some won’t!), but as a general guide the closer your food is to its natural source, the better.

Think fruit and veg from the produce section, meat and seafood from the fridge, dairy and eggs with minimal processing. Look for packaged items with ingredients you can pronounce and as few numbers or additives as possible.

Think “will this food be helpful for me?” or “will this food be harmful to me?”

It’s not about perfection, it’s about making more choices that nourish rather than inflame.

2. Listen to your body.

Your body is always giving you feedback. If a certain food doesn’t sit well, gently steer away from it for a while. If you’re getting symptoms like digestive, skin, sleep, mood, let that be a sign to check in. If cardio workouts are making you feel depleted and fatigued, it may not be for you right now.

With the help of a trusted health practitioner, like your chiropractor here at Health Shack, you can start to identify patterns and gently guide your body away from what’s not working, and towards what is.

Practice regularly checking in with your own body.

3. Prioritise rest and sleep.

We all need different amounts of sleep, but the rule of thumb is simple: if you wake up feeling refreshed, you're getting enough.

In real life, especially with little kids or shift work, that’s not always easy. But even one night a week of deep sleep, whether it’s an early night or a weekend sleep-in, can give your body the reset it needs.

Sleep is when your body heals, repairs and rebalances. Don’t skip it. But what you can skip is the devices and TV in the evenings!

4. Seek sunlight daily.

Getting sunlight in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock. This impacts your sleep quality, energy, and metabolism.

Even 10 minutes outside before 9am can do wonders. No need to sunbake, just let the light hit your skin and eyes (no sunnies for that moment). Your body knows what to do.

5. Move your body.

Movement doesn’t have to mean marathons or bootcamps. What matters is that you move consistently in ways that feel good.

An exercise class, a dance session, or just a walk with the dog, it all counts. Movement keeps your joints mobile, your lymphatic system flowing, your brain sharp and your mood steady.

Find what feels fun, and do more of that, for your entire life. We love learning about ways our clients move. Team pickleball, surfing, rollerblading, yoga classes, at home HIIT sessions, weekly golf with the mates, long evening walks along the beach….we love it all.

6. Find joy and fun.

This one might be the most underrated “health tip” of all.

Laughter, connection and play are vital to emotional health and that flows into physical wellbeing. Whether it’s booking a holiday, joining a team sport, playing board games with the family or simply catching up with friends, joy adds years to your life and life to your years.

Don’t save joy for later. Make it part of your everyday.

We’re here for the ride.

Health is not a destination, it’s a lifelong journey. There will be seasons of stress, rest, growth and learning. And through it all, you don’t have to do it alone.

Our team at Health Shack, chiropractors, remedial massage therapists, Bowen therapists, and kinesiologists, aren’t just skilled hands-on practitioners. We’re also here as health coaches and guides, helping you navigate what works for you and your unique body.

Let’s get back to basics, and build from there.