Practical Stress and Anxiety Solutions
You may hear people say 'just stress less, or chill out'. Easier said than done, right?
We all know you can’t just snap your fingers and stress is simply gone. We have so much stress in every aspect of our lives, now more than ever due to our inability to ever truly ‘switch off’. If stress itself wasn’t bad enough, it also tends to be one of the underlying issues that initiates sickness. There is an inflammatory process that goes on when emotional triggers create stress. When stress becomes too much for your body, it can instigate a domino effect on other aspects of your life. Keep reading to learn practical ways you may combat this pressure.
Statistics
Read the following statistics that will make you want to take a long, relaxing bath...
Three out of four doctor’s visits are for stress-related ailments (Employee & Family Resources, EFA).
77% of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, and 73% of people regularly experience psychological symptoms caused by stress (The American Institute of Stress).
54% of people say stress has caused them to fight with people close to them (American Psychological Association)...Not only is this stress effecting our own health, but also causing stress in those we love.
Did you know stress can be both good and bad?
In fact, stress isn’t all bad. Financially, it can encourage you to save and budget, or work hard to meet tight deadlines, or study to get a good grade in an exam. On some level, we all procrastinate, but when we have a deadline there is always a point where stress forces us to do the work. If you have difficult health issue, stress can be the thing to push you into action and make it a priority because your body is in crisis mode. Regardless, stress isn't totally avoidable, so the key is finding a balance where it keeps you productive but not enough to make you sick. Whether stress is good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, is all dependant on how we manage it.
Unfortunately, so many people look first to medications as a solution for stress
One of the most common medications for stress includes anti-depressants, which sadly (like all medications) has its associated side effects. The less dependent we are on these drugs and over the counter medication, the more benefits you will enjoy from a healthy, natural lifestyle.
Fight & Flight
You have probably heard of your sympathetic nervous system, it’s a network of nerves that help your body activate its fight or flight response. Although this is a natural response (like when you want to escape from a bear), it becomes less helpful when its activated too regularly and you are constantly stressed. This occurs when your sympathetic nervous system is constantly on edge, and it can restrict you from a full range of necessary essential processes. (Like great bowel movements, a deep sleep and a clear mind to name a few)
Rest
This is the most important cycle affecting Australians. If you aren't getting adequate sleep, this makes it more difficult for your body to repair, digest, elminate, reproduce and enjoy life. A lack of sleep will contribute to putting or keeping you in a constant fright or flight (sympathetic) response. Unfortunately, not having all 3 sleep cycles sets you up to a greater risk of a heart attack, which is the biggest killer for Australians every year.
Immune Support
Your sympathetic nervous system also impacts your immune system which controls your body’s repair processes. When your body can’t repair itself, it is more susceptible to colds, flu’s and regular illnesses.
If you cannot cope with stress it can have an adverse effect on the whole body: emotionally, physically and mentally.
Some of the more common stress symptoms (body signals) are:
muscle tension
chest pain
anxiety
low back pain
lack of focus
sleeping problems
depression
reflux
indigestion
bowel irregularities
inconsistant hormonal cycles
tiredness
headaches
lack of sex drive
over or under-eating
Some simple solutions to reduce your stress levels.
Reduce your light input: a filter for your computer screen is a great idea, or for mobile devices use the night shift app or turn down its brightness. Many people have found blue light lenses helpful if they spend a lot of their time on monitors.
Ear Plugs – while you are sleeping or when you get home turn off all sound.
A great breathing or meditation routine
A simple morning routine of NO socials or checking emails, a quiet moment to pray, breath and be grateful and do your affirmations.
We all become stressed at some time or another (maybe a little more now than normal!) Stress for small periods of time can be helpful, like working to a deadline, it’s only when your stress levels remain high for an extended period that it can be damaging to your health. No matter where your stress arises from, the good news is keeping your nervous system healthy, and spine aligned can help. Chiropractic adjustments release tension and pressure, and the body can relax or turn off the fight/flight response which is super important to relieving your stress. Additionally, adjustments can stimulate the release of our happy hormones which have a positive effect on the nervous system.
If you are ready to have your spine checked and maintain a healthy nervous system, we are ready to help. You can book your initial consultation online or give our friendly team a call on (02) 6009 0999 to see how we can assist you.
We look forward to meeting you soon.
