ACNMind

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.