I don't know about you but these last few months have been very stressful. As we accommodate and change to our "new" normal can have us feeling extra anxious. Even as we start to open up Ohio we may continue to feel the anxiety creep up as we continue in the uncertainty. Here is the thing, high stress levels for sustained periods of time drives our body into an inflammatory response which can actually increase our pain levels. Working with managing those anxious feelings and stress levels can help minimize the effects. Here are some of my favorite things I like to utilize to manage my stress and anxiety. Tips to Manage Anxiety/Stress
1. Get Moving
15-30 minutes of exercise a day can help decrease overall levels of tension and increases the production of your bodies natural feel good hormones resulting in an elevation of mood and improved sleep. I like to start my day with a workout to get my mood and productivity started first thing in the morning. Some days my workouts consist of a slow walk, weights, yoga, or some stretching. Do not overthink exercise just get your body up and moving! I am constantly posting stretches and exercises you can incorporate into your daily movement. Check out my YouTube channel or give me a follow on Facebook or Instagram to find those videos.
2. Get More Sleep
Did you know that sleep deprivation can cause an increase in stress and anxiety? On average we should be getting 6-8 hours of sleep. Sleep is the most important time for your body to recover and heal! Try going to bed one hour earlier. It's also important to limit stimulation such as TV and our phones an hour before bed as this stimulation will often tell our brains that it's daytime and will stop the production of melatonin (which helps you sleep). Some nights I find myself not being able to shut my brain off enough to fall asleep---try a brain dump! Keep a note pad by your bedside and right before bed dump everything running on your mind. Pillows are essential to a good nights rest---my personal favorite pillow I use is called the Chiroflow pillow-- click the link to shop for them.
3. Fill the Gaps with Supplements
Unless you are eating 100% clean 100% of the time there are a plethora of gaps that we are missing in nutrients. Vitamin and Nutrient Deficiencies can also lead to increase anxiety symptoms. For example deficiencies in Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Magnesium can contribute to symptoms associated with anxiety/stress. Its important however when choosing a supplement to get a good trustworthy brand. My personal favorite brand I stand by 100% is Shaklee. A good value multivitamin and probiotic can do wonders. Did you know 90% of your serotonin (your bodies natural feel good hormone) is produced in your GUT! Probiotics feed the gut with good bacteria to increase production of serotonin.
4. Chiropractic & Acupuncture Treatments
Acupuncture has been shown to effectively decrease anxiety and depression almost as good as medication! It helps your body regulate stress hormones and the production of your natural feel good chemicals. Do you hold your stress in your shoulders? Yup, me too! I personally get adjusted more during stressful times to release body tension in the joints and muscles. It's Easy to schedule!
5. Essential Oils
I have noticed a HUGE difference in my stress levels since utilizing Young Living Essential Oils into my daily routine. You can use any brand you prefer but my favorite scents for stress/anxiety are Lavender, Cedarwood, Peace and Calming, Valor, and Peppermint! We never go a nights sleep without diffusing Lavender and Cedarwood in our bedroom. I sleep so much more sound throughout the night and a quick inhalation of any other blends can instantly improve my mood.
You will also notice a diffuser in everyone of my treatment rooms usually filled with those same oils to help you relax and unwind when you're in the office! Let me know if you want to try some!
There are MANY more tips and tricks to decreasing stress beyond these 5 but these are by far MY favorite and things I personally do myself. It's what works for me. How can I help you manage the stress during these still uncertain times?
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