If you follow our Life Chiropractic & Acupuncture blog, you know that we consistently post general advice and health tips. While we specialize in treating back pain, neck pain, knee pain, treating headaches, and a host of other painful conditions, we also take great pride in our holistic approach to promoting healthy living. So today, let’s talk and learn a bit about stress management.
There are a lot of things you can do to combat stress. Of course, the goal isn't to get rid of stress completely (that would be a losing battle) but to find ways to minimize and manage it. Today, we offer five simple strategies for calming stress that really work and are supported by science.
Exercise.
There are clear physical benefits to exercise (spinal and muscular strength gains, flexibility, weight loss, improved heart health, etc.), but movement has mental benefits as well. Exercise produces endorphins which are chemicals in the brain that make you feel good, help decrease tension, elevate mood, improve sleep, and boost self-esteem.
Give Yoga a Try.
Yoga moderates the nervous system, balances hormones, and regulates nerve impulses—three factors that can reduce stress levels, making you better equipped to handle stressful situations. A regular yoga practice can also reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and potentially promote beneficial changes in the brain.
Sip Some Tea.
The act of sipping a hot cup of tea is relaxing, but the tea leaves in your cup can have a major impact on your stress levels from a physiological standpoint, too. Many teas are made with herbs, like lavender or chamomile, which have also been shown to have stress-relieving properties.
Learn About Herbs.
You beer drinkers are going to love this one. Hops might be most well known as one of the main ingredients in beer, but the plant has also been used as an herbal remedy for stress for centuries. Hops have a calming effect that can help alleviate stress and the muscle tension that comes along with it. Now, we’re not promoting or dissuading beer consumption, but we bet you didn’t know that hops is known to have stress reducing qualities. There are many herbs out there that could help improve your quality of life. Go research them!
Cut Caffeine.
Although caffeine does have some positive effects, like enhanced alertness, better mood, and improved exercise performance, it has some downsides too, especially if you drink too much. A March 2017 article from the “Journal of Caffeine Research” reveals that caffeine can interfere with the quality of your sleep by as much as 10% and cut the amount of your sleep by as much as 40%.
We are professionally trained to treat stress and a wide range of knee, neck, and spine pain here at North Bergen’s chiropractic clinic. We’d be delighted to help with yours. Contact Life Chiropractic & Acupuncture anytime!
