What my washing machine taught me about looking after yourself

After fifteen faultless years, my German-engineered washing machine flashed an error code. You don’t realise how much you rely on something until it stops. Suddenly something was missing from everyday life.

The advice came quickly. “Switch it off and on again, and keep going.” Or: “Just buy a new one. They’re only £350.”

Keep it going round and round and hope for the best? Or replace it? But a new machine made where, with parts from which factories? Is the familiar badge really the brand you trust? Who supplies the spare parts? Is it really a bargain, will it last, or will I be thrown back into the wash, going round and round again?

So I did some research. I cleaned out the filter, reset the level, and the machine came back to life.

It made me think about our bodies and the way we move. When something doesn’t feel right, we’re often told to keep going and push through, or to look for a quick replacement. Often what we really need is a little maintenance: looking after what we already have, clearing out what’s built up, and getting our balance and posture level again.

That’s where my interest in red light comes in. Researchers think red and near-infrared light may release nitric oxide inside our cells, which is linked to how they make energy and to local blood flow. It’s one of the reasons we’re excited about it. You can read more on our Research page.

Light on its own isn’t the whole answer, though, just as a clean filter needs a level machine. That’s why at &Recover we pair red-light technology with simple guidance on how you sit, stand and move.

Not a quick fix. Just looking after what you’ve already got, so you can keep doing the things you love.

Brendan, &Recover