The Top Stress Busters

There are several different types of stress, and learning how to control them can make all the difference. You have physical stress (lack of exercise, illness, sleep habits, etc.), mental stress (how you deal emotionally with life) and chemical stress (nutritional and environmental). Here are a few straightforward ways to help you reduce all three stress factors.

Before starting this article I would like to add a favorite quote of mine that always gets me thinking.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”  --Nelson Mandela

STRESS--- ITS KILLING US FROM THE INSIDE

Sometimes, a little life-pressure and stress can help you to stay focused and improve your performance. However, too much of anything will do you harm in the long run. Stress is not an illness – it’s a state which when prolonged can give rise to mental and physical malady. All of us, at one time or other, encounter high pressure situations in our professional and personal life. Few examples of stressful situations at workplace can be:

Situation 1 – Meeting Deadlines

Clock is ticking, clients are waiting but you are still not ready with your deliverable. Don’t succumb to stress and black out. Instead, sit tight and concentrate on the quality of the output rather than the deadline. Remember, throwing in hands in hopelessness and waiting for a miracle to happen will hot work. Stay calm, take a deep breath and look for ways to prioritize your work and if possible delegate your work.

Situation 2 – Handling Arguments

You get into heavy argument or disagreement with your co-worker and he blames you for everything that went wrong or if one of your colleagues is trying to bully you and take all the credit for your hard work, don’t loose your temper. Situation will exacerbate if you lose your cool and start firing back. Rather, stay rational and apologies for actions. If it wasn’t your fault totally then politely remind them of their faults that lead into the situation. Sometimes it’s better to be smart than right. By responding politely to hostility will make others realize their fault and thus relive the stress.

Situation 3 – Not Knowing Answer

Many a times, we find ourselves in a situation where we are asked questions for which we don’t know the answer. If faced with such a situation you can either panic or you can redirect the focus back to the subject matter. You can tell that people can talk to you personally if they have more questions and due to time constraint it is better to focus on the subject for the time being. If however, it is a relevant question and you still don’t know the answer then be humble and admit it. After all you are a human too and nobody expects you to know-it-all. So be confidant and willing to know the answer then tell them rather than blinking in front of the crowd.

From the above situations you can very well make out that there are two ways to handle every situation – either panic and lose control or stay calm and manage stress. Of course, the choice is yours!

Let us first understand the mechanism of stress and why we freak out when pressurized. When in stress, our brains switch to a primitive defense system and our body produces the stress hormone adrenaline, which triggers a ‘fight-or-flight’ response that nullifies our logical thinking. As a result of which we defend ourselves by bursting in rage and speaking harsh words. After the level of adrenaline sinks down our brain reverts to normal protocol and we realize our mistakes. But, by then the harm is already done!

Stress, if not attended to, can wreak havoc your mental as well as physical health. You may suffer from insomnia, change your eating habits, isolate yourself from friends and family, become excessively indecisive and suffer memory loss and low esteem. Often mood swings are associated with stress.

Some of the physical symptoms of stress are tiredness, indigestion and nausea, headaches, fatigue and palpitations. Chronic stress leads to elevated levels of Cortisol which causes you to pack on the pounds and lowers your immune function causing dis-ease and illness.  If you have these symptoms then most probably you’ve got stress. In most cases, stress gives rise to hypertension and depression. So act quickly, take control of your life and bust your stress.

There are various ways to deal with stress and those who can manage stress overcome obstacles in their way and achieve worthwhile success. Here few tips for stress management:

Before reacting to any situation, take your time to judge it. Never respond in haste. Take a deep breadth and think before you speak. No matter what be reasonable and don’t give into anger.

Organize your work and learn to say no if you can’t do it. It is better to focus on something which you can do rather than worrying about things beyond your control.

Stop looking at the work when the deadline is approaching; instead focus on the task at hand. Break down your tasks into smaller tasks and prioritize them and complete the high priority ones first, if required take help from others. Looking at the clock and worrying will only cause delay.

Enjoy what you are doing. Try to take up a career which you like and you will always stay enthusiastic thus keeping stress miles away from you.

Take care of your health. Drink lots of water to keep your body from dehydration. Drink black or green tea. It is a natural antioxidant which stimulates your thinking and energizes you body and mind.

Lead a healthy life. Eat healthy snacks and go for some moderate exercises, e.g. quiet and leisurely walk can be a good stress buster. Sleep regularly and limit your alcohol intake and smoking.

Always think positive and be optimistic. Hope for the best. Remember, despair eats away hope and increases tension. Stop complaining and think of ways to solve a problem.

Get under regular Chiropractic care.  Research shows that those under regular Chiropractic care are less stressed and do not have the pain and other physical symptoms associated with chronic stress.  Studies also show that people under regular Chiropractic care have 200% higher immune function than those not under regular care.

In day-to-day life, we meet different kinds of people – complainers, aggressive people, timid people, bully etc. Learn to deal with them. Develop active listening skills to listen to them so that you can communicate with them better. Some people talk to god to release stress, if you are not that religious, talk to your friends and family or someone you are comfortable with.

Stress is harmful for both your body and your relationships. When hit in the red zones we tend to become impulsive and do something for which we may regret for the rest of our lives. Nowadays, stress is inseparable from work. If you are successful in managing stress you will emerge out as a leader. The solution lies in staying calm and composed when your instinct impels you to explode. Possess your wits and control the adrenaline flow, even in worst times.

The spring allergy season is upon us and all reports are saying that it is a “bad one.” I love to chat with my patients about this topic. Why do some people have allergies and some people dont? If it was the pollen, dust, or dander that caused allergies, then wouldn’t it make sense that all of us would have symptoms?

This is a great topic to write about because it offers a glimpse into how the human body works. The “strength” of your immune system is the key ingredient in the conversation about allergies. Its not the allergen itself, but rather our body’s ability do process it.

Our nervous system controls and regulates every cell and process in the body. The autonomic nervous system, and specifically the parasympathetic nervous system, upregulates immune function and promotes defense against bacteria, viruses, allergens, etc. As Chiropractors, we adjust the spine to make sure the nervous system is able to do its job, free of interference.

We have patients that see great changes in their allergy symptoms with help from Chiropractic care. It is an important distinction to make, though, that we don’t treat allergies. We simple coordinate the nervous system which gives your body its best chance to fight off whatever may come your way.

If you or someone you know suffers from allergy symptoms, call or come down to The Joint... a chiropractic place and see if nervous system interference may be part of the problem.  Convenient hours, office visit only $20, call Dr. Brandon 843.654.4540 today to start feeling better soon.

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight.

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.

Give the world the best you have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis… it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

Thank you,

Mother Theresa,

for your kind words.

We will remember you!

Has someone ever smiled at you and changed your mood from bad to good?

It is amazing, the amount of love of which we are capable.  All we have to do is share it with others.  Begin that chain reaction that touches a person’s life and inspires them to do great things with the big picture in mind!  It is as simple as a kind glance, a smile, a hello to an unfamiliar face.  It can be more in depth such as listening for a moment of your day to someone who needs a shoulder, or a small gift, a flower of appreciation.

Have you ever had a headache or been in so much pain that it effected your happiness, and the way you treated people?

Do you believe it is possible for you to have affected someone’s life in a negative way because you were in pain?  Do believe someone else could have done the same thing?

We can say that we choose our own state/mood, we can say that we are responsible for how we see the world, but aren’t we also responsible for how we treat each other?  Isn’t it just easier to help those around you live a happier, healthier life, not only by being kind and loving, but helping them as well.

If you know someone who is in pain, and it affects the way they treat you or others, maybe it is time to help them find a way to get healthier in all aspects of their life!

Don’t you believe in the end it is about whether or not we have done all that we can?  Whether or not you believe this, help others because it is the right thing to do.  That is why WE are here, to help you.  We are also here to help your family and your friends, so that the world can be a healthier happier place.  Let’s leave it better than when we came!

Contact The Joint Mount Pleasant and Dr. Brandon Heath at 843.654.4540 to help those you care about.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Facts About Stress:

· Stress-related disorders are fast becoming the most prevalent reason for worker disability according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

· Job stress and related problems cost American companies an estimated $200 billion or more annually through absenteeism, turnover, accidents, etc.

· The World Health Organization calls job stress a "worldwide epidemic."

· 40 million Americans take antidepressant drugs daily!!!

· After the death of a spouse, the average life span of the surviving spouse is one year.

· Stress destroys the immune system, and ruins health to destroy lives.

Stress Management Techniques

1. In with the Good Air, Out with the Bad

Take a breathing break. Frequent short breaks during the day allow you to breathe deeply and relax your mind, preventing stress build-up.

2. Know the Enemy

What, exactly, is stressing you out? Is it your job? Your home life? Your relationships? Without knowing the root of the problem, you are unlikely to resolve it

3. Move It or Lose It

Begin an exercise program. Exercise helps release endorphins, which relieves stress.

4. Let Go

Recognize the difference between the things you can control and the things you cannot. Make a list of these two categories. Starting today, make a pact with yourself to stop stressing about the things in your job you have no control over.

5. Beware of the To Do List

Take note of all the good work you do and give yourself credit for it. Set short-term goals and allow yourself to take satisfaction in achieving them.  Most people have too many long term goals, and have too many things on their minds at the same time.

6. Develop a Tough Skin

Try not to personalize any criticism you receive. Look at negative comments as constructive criticism that allows you to improve your work.  “Who cares what other people think?”

7. Share the Load

Delegate or share work whenever possible. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you are the only person who can do the job right. Your coworkers and boss might start to buy into that concept as well.

8. Don’t Make Work a Four Letter Word.

Job stress builds when our minds are constantly focused on work. Strive for balance in your life. Make time for family, friends, hobbies and, most importantly, fun.

9. Get Adjusted.

Your nervous system is how your body deals with stress!  The easier it is for your body to deal with stress, the less of a deal it will seem to be!

At THE JOINT...a chiropractic place in Mount Pleasant our goal is to provide Chiropractic care to you and your family in a stress free, no hassle, affordable manner.  Call Dr. Heath at 843.654.4540 or visit www.thejoint.com to find out more.

These ideas may help you in your business and with your friends, and may also help you with the most important people in your life, your family and you!

Powerful people are those who rapidly put action to ideas.  Try something that sounds like it might work and either succeed or fail quickly.  If you fail go on to the next thing and it is okay to ask for help.

Power starts in the morning! Clarity of mind is one simple way to boost your productivity and effectiveness.  Think about what you will do for the whole day and make a list, prioritizing the things of greatest importance.

Be Grateful! While you are making your list of to dos, also think about the things for which you are grateful.   Make a list of these people or things.  Somehow committing things to paper solidifies your gratitude.

The source of your power begins with your daily routine! This begins with what you eat, how well you sleep, and includes your daily workout.  We all know breakfast is the most important meal, so give your self enough time to eat well.  Make sure you are getting adequate sleep so you are fresh for the whole day.  Daily workouts are another great way to up your energy.  People who are active stay active.

Help others get what they want! Zig Zigler once said that “You can get what you want as long as you help enough people get what they want.”  Helping other people is a good idea anyway because it is the right thing to do.  It just generally works out that both people benefit.  Didn’t we learn this in Kindergarten?

Power is woven into the very fabric of what you believe! If you believe that you will be successful in you endeavors then you will.  Unfortunately, vice versa.  The shear power of belief in ones self is of much greater importance than the abilities or talents that may be necessary.  If you are lacking, try positive affirmations in the A.M. and before you sleep.

Ask and you shall receive! Write down what is that you want in your life or for others and be sure to be specific.  It is like making an order.  If you like your salad with croutons and dressing on the side you must say so.  Need I say more?

Above all, trust in your maker.   Realize that you have the power to make your life happen!

Brought to you by Dr. Brandon Heath of THE JOINT...a chiropractic place in Mt. Pleasant.  843.654.4540 www.thejoint.com/local_0802.html

For more information on healthy living and addressing cause contact THE JOINT...a chiropractic place in Mount Pleasant at 843.654.4540 or visit www.thejoint.com/local_0802.html.  We've Got Your Back!

Will You Ever Get Sick…???

It was a Monday morning when Tiffany came into the office.  Tiffany has been a patient for 8 months and has had miraculous changes in her health and well-being.  Just before Tiffany lay down to get adjusted, she complained about how she was struck down Sunday morning with a fever, cough, sneezes, and mild nausea.  Tiffany felt as if she had the flu.  She looked at me and said, “I am not supposed to get sick.  The past 8 months have been the healthiest months of my entire life.  Is something wrong?  Why is this happening?”

I think Tiffany got two different things confused.  You see Tiffany; you are healthier than you have ever been.  Your spine has stopped getting worse, crushing your life line and it is actually getting closer to where God made it to be.  That is allowing your body to function closer to 100%.  However Tiffany, as awesome and healthy as you are feeling and getting, YOU ARE NOT IN HEAVEN YET!

Being healthy DOES NOT mean never having a symptom again.  Our healthy bodies are forever changing.  Our healthy bodies are forever fighting toxins.  Our healthy bodies are forever healing from the everyday physical and mental stresses we encounter.  When disease and sickness, harmful toxins, and even viruses, bacteria, and cancers are being killed and/or eliminated by our bodies, this is a process that may be uncomfortable and undesirable.  However, it is a healthy response and our bodies know best!  You have to let these symptoms occur and especially carry out to optimize your health and well being.  You may have a runny nose or an ache here and there.  Thank God for it because it just may be millions of cancer cells being eliminated form your body that you would instead have died from.

Being healthy DOES NOT mean never having aches again.  I work out at least 5 times a week.  Many of you work out at least a few times each week.  I see you all in the gym.  Those who I don’t see I’m sure you are somewhere exercising.  We cannot expect to exercise and lift weights and never feel achy.  Exercise is a tearing down and rebuilding process and there are going to be times that it may not “feel” great.  But understand that you are growing stronger and gaining life, instead of gaining death.

REMEMBER Tiffany:  being healthy has NOTHING to do with how you FEEL.  It has EVERYTHING to do with how you HEAL.  Never forget that!

CREATING HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, FOR A LIFETIME!!!

THE JOINT...a chiropractic place in Mt. Pleasant  843.654.4540

www.thejoint.com/local_0802.html