Let’s Talk Stress!
Dr. Edward Chan, Chiropractor
Welcome to this month’s blog topic. Stress. Hopefully you are not tightening your shoulders or clenching your jaw as you are reading this. There has been a shift for some people on how and where they work and go to school. A “temporary” home -based work station is almost two years old. Our daily, weekly and yearly schedules have been affected. Recently, there has been an observed of postural strain in my practice, across a larger age group. Our bodies react to stress internally and externally. I would like to address the external; response to stress can lead to tightening of muscles and in turn, tight muscles may limit your mobility in our spine and joints can also feel stiff.
Work-related stress is the second most common health problem according to the World Health Organization.
Let’s not allow this to become chronic!
Allow stress be an indication for change. From a musculoskeletal perspective, chiropractic can help with headaches, neck and low back pain. In combination with other strategies, such as Yoga (see Tracie Smith, my fantastic colleague) and staying physically active can help you and your loved ones not only manage stress but to lead healthier lives.
You should never underestimate the accumulation of small shifts in how you’re living your life. The first service focuses on easing posture-related discomfort; begin by creating a suitable home office environment. The person is advised to take breaks in between his work and perform stretching exercises on a frequent basis. Try the activities that help to ease stress, like deep breathing, meditation, or just going to the park.
It may sound like a cliché, but do not ignore the benefits that accompany quality sleep, adequate intake of water, and a balanced diet. Unfortunately, these aspects of health are quite basic but are needed in the management of an individual’s health.
In case of a long-term issue with pain and discomfort, it is not recommended to stick to home care is not advised; get medical assistance. It is hence important to understand that chiropractic care may help support you and that your quality of life . Together, it is possible to overcome these difficult months and come out from the pandemic period more united and less affected by the virus.
Physically, take care of yourself and your body and your body will reciprocate the same way. Let us turn stress into something positive, into a transition to a better life, to a healthier life.
For more information, talk to your chiropractor.
References:
Colligan TW, Higgins EM. Workplace stress: Etiology and consequences. J Workplace Behav Health. 2006;21(2):89-97.