People tell me all the time "I handle my stress very well." Stress can be a good thing, in moderation and at the appropriate time.  The problem begins with the fact that we are an "On the Go" Society.  It may feel like we are always on the run.  Mentally, we can stay focused and accomplish all our tasks and not feel overwhelmed.  We can compartmentalize our lives from work, home, family and friends.  

Why would a person like that still need to treat the stress? Almost, every one of these people that tell me they handle their stress is experiencing pain. When we are stressed we release stress hormones into our bodies.  Muscles start to tighten.  Nerves start getting impinged.  Joint space starts decreasing. PAIN. 

Headaches, back pain, neck pain and so on. You cannot sleep or may feel depressed or you may have anxiety. These are all symptoms of stress.  Just remember that these are also stand alone issues and may require you do see a doctor. 

People who can "handle their stress" come in with tight muscles and knots.  Again, they also have chronic pain. If this is you, seek out a massage therapist who can help you.  Remember, if you have had a bad experience that does not mean there is not someone out there who is a fit for you.  Keep looking.

This is my first time doing a blog so I ask that you bare with me. I love to educate people about their health within my scope of practice.  What that means is that I am not a doctor, dietitian, nutritionist, chiropractor and so on and therefore I cannot give advice on those topics, however, I can give you advice on muscles.

I love to do research and read informative article to help people see the benefits of things.  For example STRESS.  There is a lot of research out there on how stress affects your body and your health.  Did you know that stress lowers your immune system? How about the impact on your sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure?  Feeling anxious, depressed, or unable to sleep? 

If you are constantly sick, you may be dealing with stress.  High cholesterol, sugars, and/or blood pressure are all signs of stress (it also includes how you eat and how much you exercise). Think about how that impacts your life.  Do you miss work? Do have a hard time focusing? 

Anxiety, depression and an inability to sleep also impacts your life (other factors play a role on these issues) and are signs of stress. With depression and anxiety, you find it difficult to enjoy things.  Then you are in a never-ending cycle because these feelings may feed the stress.  

I tell my clients to do something each day to treat their stress.  A massage often is very beneficial but there are things you can do for yourself.  Even 5 minutes a day is better than ZERO minutes a day.  Find something that you find relaxing that you can do in those 5 minutes.  Read, listen to relaxing music, do a yoga pose, day dream, write, play and/or do some deep breathing.

I cannot even count how many times I run into people who say they do not feel stressed.  The more I talk to them the more I find out.  They have sleeping issues or they have the tight muscles along with pain.  Just because your mind thinks you can handle stress or even thrive best under stress, the stress has to go somewhere and usually that is in the body.  

Nobody knows you better than you know yourself.  Pay attention to your body. What will happen when all this negative stress causes all the negative effect that can lead to cardiovascular disease?  How does that impact you?

Treating your stress is an investment in your health and in YOU!