Stress is something we as a society have become all too familiar with. We experience stress when the demands put upon us outweigh our ability to deal with the demands. Things like work deadlines, financial pressure, school exams, family life, relationship problems, car accidents and illness can all contribute to the process we know as stress. What we tend to forget with stress is the impact it has on our physical, mental and emotional health.
Stress is something everybody will have experienced at one point or another, and everyone will cope with stress differently. For some people, stress can contribute to a number of serious health issues including insomnia, cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression. For others, it may present in a musculoskeletal way causing headaches, tight shoulders, digestive issues, fatigue and muscle aches.
Osteopathic treatment can aid in the treatment of stress related musculoskeletal problems by loosening tight muscles, calming down the nervous system and providing advice for coping strategies and exercises to help relieve muscle tension. Our Osteopaths at Alpha Sports Medicine & Osteopathy in Altona North have a few great strategies they recommend to their clients.
1. Stretching
When you feel stressed you may feel your body tighten up, your jaw clench or even your shoulders sitting as high as your earrings! Taking the time to stretch your muscles can help stimulate blood flow, reset their resting length and relax the surrounding areas.
2. Breathing
Breathing is a automatic thing that keeps us alive and we rarely have to think about. When you’re stressed, your breathing rate may be quicker and become more shallow. Consciously slowing your breathing down and breathing deep into you lower ribs may help relax the neck and upper chest, it may also allow you to slow down a racing mind as you focus on your breath. This type of breathing technique is also a common practice in Yoga.
3. Exercise
One of the many benefits of exercise is stress management. Our Osteopaths all partake in regular gym and sport based exercise, we encourage all of our clients in our Altona North clinic to live an active lifestyle. Making time for exercise can be of great benefit to your physical and mental wellbeing.
If you are feeling stressed and you feel as though you are not coping well, the best thing you can do is seek professional help, it is important to talk with someone and devise a stress management plan. Switching off from the world around you isn’t easy, but it’s important to do so to allow your body to wind down, relax and reset. Bring balance back to your life by taking time out for yourself, and get back to doing the things you enjoy!
If you support coping with stress, contact Beyond Blue
To book a consult with one of our Osteos click here
