As much as you might enjoy certain aspects of the holiday season, you probably don’t enjoy the stress it can bring into your life. Crowded malls, long lines, and busy schedules can really take their toll – not just on your mental state, but on your physical health, too.
Although manifestation of symptoms is different for everyone, stress can affect your body in the following ways:
Jaw. Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth, which you might do without thinking about it, can result in TMJ or TMD symptoms.
Brain. Stress can trigger headaches, migraines, insomnia, and low energy.
Shoulders and neck. Tension can trigger tightness or pain. Poor posture could make you more prone to injury.
Stomach. Many people notice symptoms of stress when they begin to experience, nausea, heartburn, constipation, or diarrhea.
Heart. Stress has been linked to hypertension, and to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Lungs. Because stress can impact your immune system, you might suffer increased respiratory illnesses like sinus infections or bronchitis.
Remember, chiropractic care is about overall wellness, not just addressing back pain! Because the spinal column acts as the nervous system’s “switchboard” for the rest of the body, chiropractic adjustments can help to soothe the nervous system and therefore lesson the appearance of many stress-related symptoms.
Nutrition is also vital to any stress reduction regimen. It can be easy to get carried away during the holidays, and overindulge in too many refined flours and sugary treats. Try to focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats at this time, and indulge in holiday goodies sparingly.
Continue regular chiropractic adjustments, along with other stress reduction techniques, to stay healthy throughout the holiday season. If you’re experiencing a new symptom, particularly headaches or other aches and pains, please give us a call right away to schedule an evaluation.