Stress is part of our daily lives.  For most of us, the stress that we experience on a daily basis begins before we even wake up!  Our sleep is interfered with by the prior days stress which causes us to toss and turn in our beds, grind or clench our teeth and sometimes gets us out of bed altogether so we can pace the floors of our homes and apartments.  It is a stressful world indeed, and the day has not even begun!

Once we start the day stress continues to shape our activities.  We hurry off to work without eating a healthy breakfast because we are pressed for time.  We drink lots of coffee because we lost sleep the night before.  A little later we eat candy or chocolates to help comfort us from our anxiety.

As our days progress there is more coffee, more pacing, more comfort food and so on - all of which contributes further to stress and ill health.

When our work days finally end, the stresses associated with life at home begin.  We are usually too exhausted to make a healthy meal so we stop for a burger and fries or some equivalent "junk food" which makes us feel lathargic - continuing the downward spiral that our health experiences in a stressful lifestyle.  For most of us, exercise is out of the question.  Usually time and energy are in far too short supply to allow for any kind of consistency with an exercise plan.

In addition to poor diet and lack of exercise, we tend to adopt habits that are counterproductive to negating the ill effects of stress.  Some people smoke to combat their stress while others drink alcohol to "wash their stress away", others still sometimes smoke and drink - eeaks!

The negative health effects brought on by stress are well documented and numerous.  Stress creates muscle tension which raises blood pressure setting the stage for heart disease and strokes.  The possibility of heart disease and stroke are magnified by the combination of lack of sleep, poor diet and a lack of exercise.  

The question is; What can you do about stress?

First of all, you should limit the use of artificial stimulants in your life.  This means get rid of the coffee, soda pop, smoking and alcohol.

Secondly, try to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, eat a healthy breakfast and get to work on time.  These actions are crtical to limiting stress at the beginning of your day.

Thirdly, set aside time for stretching and exercise.  These activities condition your muscles and reduce muscle tension.

Finally, consult with your San Diego Chiropractor - Dr. Jones.  We can help restore balance to your body through the use of chiropractic adjustments and specific stretches and exercises.  You will also be given guidelines for proper supportive nutrition that will help your body cope with your stressfull lifestyle.

The Bottom Line on Stress

Chiropractic care won't get rid of your bills, make your boss a nicer person or make your partner any more agreeable.  However, a combination of chiropractic adjustments, healthy eating habits, specific exercises and stretches can take you a long way in your efforts to combat stress and improve your overall health picture.