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Seven
Ways to Reduce Stress
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Symptoms of Stress
• Bowel problems
• Digestive problems
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disorders
• Stomach problems
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Stress
is Natural – What’s the Problem?
Stress is a normal part of life; however, too much stress causes
or aggravates health problems, causes nervous system damage and
results in premature aging.
Your body releases adrenalin when you’re stressed to help
you cope. Whether the stress is physical danger, like being chased
by a bear, or emotional, such as divorce or a change in job status,
the physical effects of adrenaline in the body for long periods
is wearing. Picture this - if you’re chronically stressed
your body is responding as if you’re constantly being chased
by a bear. In these terms, it’s easy to see how stress causes
excessive wear and damage your body that you may be unaware of.
Causes of Stress
The causes of stress fall into three main categories – physical,
emotional and chemical. You may be under more stress than you thought.
Here are some examples of each. What other stressors are you living
with?
| Physical
Causes of Stress |
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Improper
lifting. |
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Rotating
work shifts. |
•
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Repetitive
motion. |
•
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Car accidents. |
•
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Slips
and falls. |
•
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Being
over-weight. |
| Emotional
Causes of Stress |
•
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Deadlines. |
•
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Death
of a loved one. |
•
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Decline
in self esteem. |
•
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Divorce
or alienation of affection. |
•
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Geographical
move. |
•
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Crying
children. |
| Chemical
Causes of Stress |
•
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Caffeine
consumption (cola drinks, coffee, black teas, diet pills,
some medications, chocolate). |
•
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Eating
foods high in corn syrup, white sugar or white flour. |
•
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Over eating. |
•
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Hormonal
imbalance. |
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Prescription
and over the counter medications. |
7
Ways to Reduce Stress Successfully
Use these simple changes to reduce stress in your life to manageable levels.
You may have to change some habits but the payoff of feeling better will be well
worth it. |
1.
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Exercise
regularly. |
2.
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Avoid
foods with high sugar or fat content. |
3.
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Get plenty
of sleep – 7 hours or more each night. |
4.
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Avoid
or reduce your caffeine consumption. |
5.
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Get regular
chiropractic adjustments for proper nerve function. |
6.
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Keep a
positive mental attitude. You can’t change a traffic
jam by being upset, instead enjoy some soothing music. |
7. |
Reduce
the size of your “To-Do” list. Instead of trying
to “get it all done” prioritize and let the rest
go. |
Relieve
Stress by Stretching Tight Muscles
Do these simple exercises practically anywhere to feel better in just a few minutes.
Neck & Shoulder
Stretch |
•
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Sit
with your back flat against a wall, extend your legs in front
of you, cross them at the ankles. |
•
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With your
right arm reach over your head and touch your left ear with
your fingertips. |
•
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Gently
tilt your head toward your shoulder, keep your shoulders
down. |
•
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Hold 20 – 30
seconds then return to the starting position. |
•
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Repeat
three times. |
•
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Repeat
on your left side. |
| Upper
Back and Shoulder Stretch
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•
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Stand
with your feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent,
back straight. |
•
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Raise
your right hand straight up, palm facing your right ear. |
•
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Reach
straight up toward the ceiling with your right arm, keep
your right shoulder down. |
•
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Hold 20 – 30
seconds then return to the starting position. |
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Repeat
three times. |
•
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Repeat
on your left side. |
| Lower
Back and Hamstring Stretch |
•
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Sit
with your feet shoulder width apart, flat on the floor and
your back straight. |
•
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Tighten
your abdominal muscles as you bend at the waist, reaching
for your toes. |
•
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Rest your
head in your lap, hold for 20 – 30 seconds. |
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Return
slowly to your starting position. |
•
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Repeat
three times. |
Add enjoyment to each day and add years to your
life by reducing your stress to manageable levels. Chiropractic
treatment is an
effective way to relieve stress and tension from your body. You’ll
feel better and be healthier.
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