Are you feeling stressed? It’s okay – we’ve all dealt with stress in one form or another. Challenging times can build us up if we learn from the experience.
The trick is in how you respond to it, which begins with understanding where it comes from. Fortunately, you don’t need to face it alone. Here’s something to consider as you work your way back to a happy place.
1. Start with the physical stress we put on our bodies. More than 75 percent of Americans regularly deal with its symptoms, according to the Palmer College of Chiropractic, and the U.S. News and World Report said the effects account for half of the country’s health-related expenses. Physical stress can be obvious – ask someone dealing with a problem knee – or the subtle tightening of your neck and shoulder muscles after you’ve spent too much time hovering over the laptop. Fight back with good posture, keeping your spine aligned with your hips and your head. Stay active, taking occasional breaks to stretch your muscles. Eat smart. Get a good night’s sleep. And make an appointment to see your chiropractor. In addition to putting your neuromusculoskeletal system back in balance, chiropractors can help you make the lifestyle changes that will help you avoid further stress.
2. While emotional stress takes a different toll – feeling anxious about what lies ahead during a divorce, for example – studies show that taking care of your physical health often diminishes its symptoms. You’ve probably experienced the rush of endorphins that comes with exercise. Regaining control of chronic pain can also bring a sense of relief that can put stress on hold. When a chiropractor adjusts the spine, it strengthens the central nervous system and the brain’s ability to communicate with the body. That can only mean good things as your body naturally deals with your stress!
3. Don’t let your fear of the unknown keep you from receiving chiropractic care. This was a common reason given for not seeking a chiropractor’s help, according to the 2017 Gallup-Palmer College of Chiropractic annual study. While most Americans believe it is effective, many admitted they didn’t know enough about the philosophy behind chiropractic. Learn more through organizations such as ChiroHealthUSA. Talk to friends who’ve used chiropractic care. Do some research on the chiropractors practicing in your community and find one that best suits your needs. As we said before, stress is something you don’t need to face alone.
4. Finally, once you’ve dealt with the stress in your life, do yourself a big favor and make a difference in someone else’s life. Small acts of kindness, whether taking a cake to a friend, paying it forward at the coffee shop or volunteering at the local shelter, was not only shown to decrease stress in a 2015 study published in Clinical Psychological Science, but it also improves our response to the stress that naturally comes with life. If a chiropractor helped you along the way, let others know. It might just be the adjustment they need to put stress in its place.
Ongoing studies show the damage caused by stress in our life, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. But with so many options available, including chiropractic care, well-being is within reach. Make a difference – today.
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Why is the Discount Challenge prize amount $15,024? Because that is the average “per-occurrence” fine for Medicare inducements. That’s not $15,024 per patient, that’s not per provider, that’s PER VISIT. Stinks, doesn’t it? To us, the prize amount is worth the investment if we can help our profession better understand proper discounting.