Take a Stress Test!

I remember in college my class had to take a stress test.  At the time I was attending school in Georgia and as part of the curriculum every student had to complete a wellness/health class. It was a very basic class and only awarded a grand 1 credit to your transcript, and I am not sure it ever transferred to any of my other schools. Anyway back to the stress test.  You accumulated points that were awarded by participating in various stress induced activities, and it turned out my stress level was very high. I learnt that moving house and states, getting married, having a death in the family and working  while attending school full-time gives a very high score.  I was 27 at the time and felt invincible; I held down my full-time job in addition to a part-time coffee-cart job and attended school for 12 credits each quarter. Although I remember it now as being a breeze to carry all that extra weight, I actually got by on very little sleep and by drinking mau hung (ephedrine), a Chinese herb that can stimulate both your heart and metabolism but has some very unpleasant and negative side effects. I shake my head now when I think about it and I have to question why I personally felt the need to do so much that I had to resort to stimulants (natural of course) to keep going.  It was from that experience I learned

A: All supplements are not created equal – natural or otherwise.

B: Stress is as dangerous to your health as a high-fat, sodium-soaked diet.

A daily regime high in stress can lead to heart attacks, asthma, and depression and it can also diminish you immune system opening you up to all kinds of nasty bugs and viruses. Even at its mildest stress can sap your energy and make you just plain tired and worn-out.  

Are you stressed out? Take this MSN stress test and see if you are in the danger zone.

What can you do if you find yourself stressed out and frazzled?  

• Relax: Yes easier to think than do, but force yourself. Try eating your evening meal slowly at a table - without distractions! Focus on the food and the enjoyment of eating. Give yourself 20 minutes of relaxing focused time to chill out after a hard day. Go to ITUNES and download a relaxation podcast; many of these are free. Spend time with your animals, a little time stroking and petting a dog or cat can do wonders for your stress level.
• Exercise: It doesn’t have to be a major effort, take a twenty minute walk after dinner or before work. Walk the dog or the cat if you feel so inclined. Is there an indoor pool nearby? Take advantage of their adult swim times.  Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that will increase your lung capacity and stretch out your muscles while giving you gentle exercise. Try Yoga, or just dance daily to your favorite tunes on your IPOD.
• Eat healthy: Stress can get those hormones working overtime, adding to that middle-age spread so many of us work hard to get rid of. Make sure your diet includes lots of great proteins and fiber to keep your body strong, healthy, and working to its optimum levels.
• Laugh more: Yes, it seems according to the University of  Maryland Medical Center laughter really can be the best medicine. This article in the Science Daily also has multiple studies on laughter being good for mind, body, soul AND … our pocket book.
• Breathe: Take a breath and decide when to say no. Sometimes we feel obligated to do things or in an effort to be pleasant will often agree to things we don’t want to do. Not only does that make us agitated it also causes our body to react negatively, save the grief and if you really do not want to participate in an event, or share someone’s work load, speak up. Your heart and health will thank you for it.
• Go to bed: Try to regenerate with 7 or 8 good hours of sleep a night, this can be tough but turn off the TV (or the computer) and go to bed at a reasonable time. Sleep is so important to your health.
• Get a regular adjustment, don’t wait until you are in pain or down with a virus; all that adds to your stress levels. Chiropractic care will work out those knots and straighten your spine, helping to keep your immune system strong and your head clear.

Make an adjustment: Stay Healthy ~ Be Happy.
For more great ideas on stress reduction call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan, 303.674.1500 Fontana Chiropractic or email the office@fontanachiro.com

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