Keeping the mind in shape sometimes proves to be
a very difficult task. With work-related stress, relationship struggles,
bringing up young children and dealing with every day life issues, it can seem
almost impossible. And it can be a vicious cycle. Feeling stressed leads to the
release of the hormone cortisol, which in turn causes inflammation in the body
and decreased hormonal function, leading to more stress and the release
of even more cortisol, and so on and so on, until a serious disease
process is set in motion. Increased
levels of cortisol can result in the following:
* Fatigue
* Weight Gain (especially around the abdominal
area)
* Impaired Immune Function
* Decreased Mental Ability
* Chronic Pain
* Mood Swings
* Insomnia
* Decreased Libido
* Sugar, Salt and Carbohydrate Cravings
Unresolved,
long-term stress, can also lead to more severe problems such as anxiety,
depression, drug addiction, some autoimmune disorders, Fibromyalgia, even heart
disease, all of which are typically treated with heavy, toxic medications to
manage them, which do not address underlying imbalances within the body. That
means a sick person may have his/her symptoms under control, but the underlying
disease process is still present. He or she is still, in essence, sick. Therefore,
it is essential that those feeling moderate to extreme amounts of stress take
immediate action to get a handle on stress.
How
can a busy person manage stress? ACN Wellness recommends setting aside a few
minutes each day to practice slow, deep breathing, as well as a systematic
"decluttering" of a stressed person's schedule. That means cutting
out the unnecessaries--commitments that are not high on the priority list---and
focusing instead on the things that are of significant value and importance, like
spending time with family and/or children, for example.
Acupuncture,
Chinese massage, meditation and yoga (available at ACN Wellness Center) are
excellent ways to relax and decompress. Infrared Sauna Treatments (also offered
at ACN Wellness) and Epsom salts baths are great ways to draw the toxins out of
the body and allow tired, tense muscles to relax.
Stress
is, unfortunately, a most common affliction for every human being. What
separates the unhealthy people from the healthy people, is how that stress is
managed. There are a variety of treatments and programs available at ACN
Wellness. Take advantage of one of them today and get back to your healthy,
happy self.
