Why do people come to get a massage? In my practice it is most often because of daily stress that we all encounter as we live our lives. Going to school, starting a new job, marrying, raising a family, being promoted, growing older, facing illness and much more can create stress.
Some stress can be good for us because it forces us to deal with deadlines and situations that must be attended to. However, to much stress can be harmful to our overall health. Symptoms such as back pain, trouble sleeping, headaches, muscle aches, heartburn, upset stomach, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, weight gain or weight loss are sometimes in part caused by stress.
Symptoms caused by stress can vary, but some signs may are:
• Chronic fatigue
• Change in appetite
• Increase in alcohol, drug or cigarette use
• Change in bowel or bladder habits
• Body aches and pains not caused by exercise
• Change in sleeping or waking patterns
• Change in behavior or emotional patterns
Stress is a part of live. What is most important is how you adapt to those stresses of life. Stress can have an effect on our autoimmune system causing illness and disease.
Taking care of yourself starts with recognizing the unhealthy ways we may deal with stress such as drinking to much alcohol or eating unhealthy meals. Try a healthier approach:
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes at least 5 times a week. (Check with your doctor)
• Do something just for yourself. Get a new hair style, shop for that new dress or sports coat you like, get a therapeutic massage, get a manicure or pedicure. All can do wonders when you are under a lot of stress.
• Recognize the things that upset you and try to develop a more positive attitude toward those you cannot avoid.
• Simplify your life. Don’t try to do so much. Set goals that you can achieve. Learn to say “no”.
• Find ways to relax: talk with supportive people, take up a hobby, listen to music, watch movies, take walks.
• Try not to self medicate with food, alcohol, or over the counter medications. Covering up a problem can make the stress even worse.
• Learn to use relaxation techniques, such as mental imaging, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation.
• Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
• Eat a healthy diet
• Drink less alcohol and coffee
• Use positive thoughts and humor to overcome negative thoughts. Rent a comedy from a video store. Share it with friends and laugh your stresses away. This creates a release of the feel good hormones serotonin and endorphins.
• Seek professional help for dealing with especially difficult events in your life.
Next month we will begin to talk about stretching, exercise and nutrition in helping to reduce the stresses of life.
( Source: University of Michigan Health System)
