Stress is one of those elusive words we know we are affected by, but often feel at a loss to change. I like breaking stress down into three categories, because stress is not just about our emotional state, it is about the level of energy we are utilizing each day. Does your cup feel empty by lunch? Do you wake up tired? Changing habits has the power to change our state of being and I’m here to partner with you.
Physical Stress: When your body is out of neutral alignment, there is more stress on it. A huge factor to boost energy is to have good posture. For example if your head is forward compared to your shoulders, it takes twice as much energy to hold your head up all day. Also hunching forward puts more pressure on your spine, joints and organs.
TIP#1: Take posture breaks during your day. Set your alarm ideally once per hour and stand up and interlace your fingers behind your head and stretch them wide while slightly pushing your head into your hands (this can also be done seated).
Chemical Stress: Everything we breathe, eat and put on our skin has the potential to be a chemical stress for our bodies. If we are eating a lot of processed food our body has to work really hard to digest and store it. This zaps our energy and can lead to fatigue and disease. Also a huge chemical load for women is cosmetics and body care. If you are using products with ingredients like parabens, artificial fragrance/additives, sodium laureyl sulfates DMDM hydantoin (formaldehyde containing preservative), you are giving a dose your body has to struggle with.
Tip#2: Start reading labels. Arm yourself with knowledge about ingredients in your food and body care products you are going to stop all together and if the label has it, choose an alternative.
Emotional Stress: This component is usually what we think of when we think of stress. This is an overwhelming feeling we are taking on more than we can handle. It is a fear we can’t let any of the balls drop without consequences. A lot of my stress comes when I am worried about the past or something in the future. My brain can get into a loop that is hard to stop. Emotional stress creates a cascade of neuro-biological chemicals that has a direct impact on our health.
Tip #3: Stop and breathe. Our breath connects us to the present moment. Count to 5 as you inhale, hold your breath for a moment, then slowly exhale to a count of 5-7. Reflect about someone you love or a place that brings you peace and truly try to embody that feeling with each breath. You can learn to bring up an emotion of peace, joy or gratitude but just meditating on an experience that created that feeling in your past. Your physiology doesn’t know the difference.
Please email Dr Chrissy at drchissyc@gmail.com and she can send you a link to purchase some of my favorites.
See our winter newsletter! From patient stories, recommended diets, stress management, and even our seasonal favorite Paleo meal and how to make it!
