The demands of our modern world provide lots of things to stress out about. Job anxieties, health difficulties, money problems, and social pressures can weigh heavily on us. Sometimes we create our own internal stress with unhealthy life habits such as poor nutrition and lack of sleep. No matter where that stress originates, it leads to damage. Stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response. This response releases a torrent of stress hormones which raises heart rate and increases blood pressure. Chronic stress can affect every system in the body. It can lower the immune response, upset the digestive tract and increase the risk of heart attack. Persistent tension can lead to muscles being in a constant state of contraction. This can cause the spine to become subluxated, which in turn interferes with the nervous system functioning properly.
How can we de-stress? Try the following tips:
- See Your Chiropractor. A misaligned spine prevents the nervous system from operating in an optimal state. Proper alignment removes interference and results in better communication of information between the brain and the body. Chiropractic adjustments release muscle tension, soothe irritated nerves and improves circulation. Your chiropractor may also provide deep-tissue massages, create customized therapeutic exercise plans and offer posture correction advice.
- Get Moving. Exercise can help you feel better. It strengthens your cardiovascular system which can lower blood pressure. Raising your activity level can also bolster white blood cell counts which can counter the negative impact that stress has on the immune system.
- Eat A Healthy Diet. Fueling your body with a well-balanced diet can directly affect your ability to cope with stress. Consuming processed foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates offers little in the way of nutritional value and leads to unhealthy peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels. Focus on eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and proteins high in omega-3 fatty acids.
By adopting these strategies, we can help ourselves chill out! These natural solutions and lifestyle choices can really make a difference in our every day and long term health.