Moving to the Netherlands is a big step for expats, which comes with many exciting challenges.
So we have some tips specifically tailored to your new life.
To make the most of your time here and to perform at your best at your job and in your personal life, it is important to stay healthy and active. And you don’t always have to consult a physician.
At Backbone Chiropractic, the purpose of our clinic is to help patients regain or retain their health naturally through chiropractic care and a healthy lifestyle.
DR. ANTON STAS
Our top priorities are the good health and well-being of our patients. Part of that process is providing chiropractic care – adjustments, alignments – but another important factor is education.
Check out these guidelines to a happy, healthy and – above all – active expat life. Remember: A healthy “chiropractic lifestyle” includes making sound lifestyle choices.
Dr. Anton Stas has 6 tips that will help you make the most out of every day in the Netherlands:
1. Get enough sleep
Did you know that you spend one-third of your life asleep? A good night’s rest gives you the energy to make the most out of your day and your expat adventure in the Netherlands. Investing in a good mattress is essential when you move abroad and not something you want to compromise on. Issues with sleep can have lots of causes, but it could help to regularly visit with a chiropractor. He or she corrects spinal misalignments which help you sleep better.
2. Nutrition
It’s no secret that good nutrition is important to live a healthy and happy life. Supermarkets, restaurants and cafes in the Netherlands all offer many healthy choices. Most restaurants include vegetarian (and sometimes vegan) options in their menu and can make a meal gluten-free if you ask. There are also more and more vegan and/or gluten-free restaurants that only serve food that is organic and nutritious. A good tip if you are looking for fresh vegetables, eggs and dairy: check the local farmers in your area. They often have a small store where they sell fresh produce. It does not get much better than fruit, honey and veggies fresh from the farm!
3. Good posture
Many of us spend most days sitting in a chair at our offices. Maintaining good posture throughout the day is important for various reasons: it helps your blood circulation and your breathing and it helps your muscles relax. Make sure you have a good ergonomic chair and desk at work that allows you to maintain good posture throughout the day. Don’t be afraid to ask your manager or employer for better office equipment. Most Dutch companies offer help with finding an office chair that best fits you.
4. Stay active
Being active helps you stay healthy and balanced between all the challenges of living and working abroad. Keep it fun and do it like the locals do! Join a local sports team – soccer, field hockey and tennis are the most popular sports in the Netherlands. You not only get a good practice in but get to know your new neighbors and friends at the same time. Another great way to get to know your new surroundings is by going horseback riding which is very popular in Brabant. If you don’t have time to join a club or gym, simply incorporate exercise in your daily life by biking or walking to work, school or the store. Easy and convenient!
THE EINDHOVEN REGION HAS AN AMAZING AMOUNT OF OPEN LAND, PERFECT FOR HIKING, BIKING AND TAKING A BREAK FROM CITY LIFE.
5. Maintain a positive mindset
Expat life will throw many challenges your way. A positive attitude helps you tackle every hurdle that comes your way. When you move to the Netherlands, you will find that most people are friendly, open and optimistic. People in the southern provinces tend to be more easy-going than in big cities like Amsterdam where life is a bit busier and more rushed. If you want to take some time for yourself to relax, you can visit a sauna, take a yoga or Pilates class (which have become very popular over the last couple of years and can be found at any gym) or check out a spa. There are also many natural preserves in the Eindhoven area where you can enjoy the great outdoors and hike, bike or ride horses, like the Leenderbos or Groote Heide.
6. Keep your spine healthy
Last but not least: a healthy spine and a well-connected nervous system helps you and your body to be at your best. Chiropractic helps improve your central nervous system, which is the master controller of your body and its most important system. Regular visits with a chiropractor help your spine stay free of misalignments so your body is ready for all the challenges and fun that comes with being an expat in the Netherlands.
Chiropractic care in the Netherlands is covered by an additional rider on the basic monthly plan under “alternative medicine.” If you want to visit with a chiropractor or another medical specialist that is excluded from the basic plan, you can add alternative care to your health insurance plan. Additional insurance policies differ for each health care provider. You can read more about alternative medicine in the Netherlands here.
About Backbone Eindhoven
The Backbone Eindhoven office opened in November and welcomes new expat patients. We are located at Jeroen Boschlaan 2c. There is free parking behind the office, and it is easily accessible by bus.
The original Backbone (Ruggensteun in Dutch) is located in Valkenswaard, a town just south of Eindhoven, and is also easily accessible by car and public transport. The bus stop is just a 3-minute walk from the practice which also has a private car park.
You may make an appointment by emailing us at [email protected]
You may also call the Eindhoven office at 040 711 7282 or the Valkenswaard office at 040 201 3553.
Backbone has all the latest technology, including full body and foot scans and offers consults to adults, children, and babies.
Before or after your consult you can take a seat in the massage chair and take a moment out of your day to relax.
