Stressed out?
Being under constant stress day in day out can eventually have a negative effect on your health. We are designed to be able to withstand small amounts of stress. However, with the way modern life is, we are commonly under constant stress with no let up.
This constant stress can be from everyday living like becoming overwhelmed, trying to balance work and family life, financial stress, relationship challenges and poor diets. This constant stress puts us into a state of ‘fight or flight’.
Fight or flight response is where our body is ready to fight a battle or run from a frightening situation, like being faced by a tiger, where you require all of your energy and effort to run! In this state the blood supply to the internal organs is decreased and instead it is increased in our extremities. Along with this, is increased heart rate, head forward posture, shoulders rounded, tight calves and buttocks, and increased sweating so as we are ready to run from the situation we are faced with. As mentioned above, our bodies are designed to function in this state for a short period of time. The problem comes though, when those everyday stresses are constantly having an effect on our body.
Chronic stress leads to what we call a ‘sympathetic dominant’ state where eventually the digestive, hormonal and reproductive systems can become suppressed.
When in a constant state of stress, cortisol, a stress hormone, is produced in high amounts by the adrenal glands. Cortisol lowers the immune system response, increases blood sugar levels leading to acidic blood, creates/ increases inflammation leading to premature ageing/ death. Acidic blood leads to modern lifestyle conditions like diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
In this stress state, you have constant contraction of the glutes and calves as well as forward head posture and rounded shoulders. This distorted posture eventually pulls so much on the spine, affecting the nervous system.
Make sure you read on to next week’s blog to learn of our 6 steps to reduce stress. There may be some important tips for you to include into your daily routine to reduce stress levels, and improve your general health and well being.
If you have any specific questions regarding your individual situation or you would love further information please contact us here at Global Chiropractic on 54443388 or email [email protected]
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