The year 2020 has caused many challenges for all of us.  Dealing with adverse weather conditions, a world-wide pandemic, social and economical changes just to mention a few that have caused 2020 to be a "STRESS" causing year!

 

     When we are stressed,  our muscles naturally tend to contract, causing a feeling of tension.  This can be most commonly felt between our shoulders and unknowingly cause poor posture.  We may slouch, lean forward when we walk or hold our heads and neck at angles not healthy to our body.  This may also cause poor judgement because located at the front of the brain, the prefrontal cortex is involved in high level functions.  These include planning, reasoning and decision-making.  Because it is connected to other parts of our brain, it helps us focus our attention and regulate our emotions.  Stress causes confusion and the brain's emotion and natural habit centers begin to have us thinking other thoughts or what could happen or why it could happen, naturally causing some level of anxiety due to anticipation of an unknown threat out of the norm. 

 

     Symptoms may begin to occur such as; headaches, the inability to get a full sleep or some people may experience no sleep at all.  Muscle tension or body aches, chest pain, fatigue, stomach and digestive issues may also be caused by stress.  If these symptoms are left unchecked over a period of time may they may contribute to more severe health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. 

 

     We can often manage stress by using some simple techniques and to obtain a game plan to help fight stress. These include:

1.  Practice relaxation techniques, deep breathing, yoga, meditation.

2.  Regular physical activity

3.  Laughing

4.  Spending time with family and friends

5.  Having time for hobbies or an enjoyable activity to you

6.  Eat healthy

7.   Avoid tobacco, excess caffeine and alcohol or illegal substances

8.   Seek a reputable chiropractor

 

   Our bodies and minds are tightly linked with one another.  Your spine is incredibly important to helping reduce and maintain stress levels.  The spine acts as a support system to the central nerves connecting to the different body organs, muscles, tissues and bone matter.  If the spine is not properly aligned there will be friction that effects the central nervous system causing noticeable strain.  This can be visible as physical pain, stress, anxiety and other function issues.  Undergoing chiropractic therapy or wellness care before physical signs and complications occur, helps to break the cycle of stress and allows us to remain at a healthier level during these times of concern.

 

REFERENCES:

Arnsten, AFT (2009)  Stress signaling pathways

Wise, T., Zbozinek (2020) Changes in risk perception and protective behavior in the United States