Stress in Troubling Times
Stress is all over us these days. As Americans, it is our worst enemy and now it’s worse than ever. We tend to cope with stress by eating more foods that are fried or high in carbs for comfort. In these times, we need more effective stress reduction tools.
This is a great time to exercise more, read more, meditate or pray more. These things are all free and constructive coping strategies.
Many of you are watching your retirement or savings shrink in the stock market. I am not a financial analyst, but they all say it will come back, given enough time. Historically, this is true.
What I can weigh in on, with no uncertainty, is that if you don’t take care of your health, you may not make it to retirement, or you may not feel well enough to enjoy it. Our adrenal glands are the first system to react to stress. We produce more epinephrine (commonly called adrenaline) and cortisol, which puts the body in a heightened state of alert and defense. This is great if we are running away from trouble or find ourselves in a physical fight, however the excess energy the body taps into to do this comes from our digestive and immune systems. Over the short term, we quickly recover from the stress response, but if it is prolonged then we can start having digestive problems, sleep problems, infections, slowed metabolism, and anxiety attacks among other things. So, if you are still watching the news and the stock market, stop!
- Taking supplements like vitamin C or DSF (Nutriwest) can help the adrenals recover.
- Exercise can help rid your body of excess epinephrine; meditation and prayer can change your brain waves so your whole body relaxes.
- Rest and a healthy diet can recharge the immune system.
- Finally, a chiropractic session is a great way to release stress from the body and mind, and create more peace.
originally posted by Dr. Hans Wakeman of Atlanta, Georgia, on wakemanchiropractic.com, December 11, 2008
