Did you know that emotional and chemical stress leads to physical stress?

Family demands, sitting in traffic, eating junk food, job deadlines or procedures, not getting enough sleep.  These are stresses that are not physical but have physical effects.  Your mind determines when you are stressed. If your brain thinks you are stressed (and that means any type of stress). It goes into stress response.

What happens to your body when you are stressed?

Stress hormones are released by your brain which then begin the "fight or flight" response. This is called your Sympathetic Nervous System (fight or flight).

What happens during "fight or flight":

• Heart beats faster
• You breathe heavier
• Your muscles tense
• Eyes dilate
• Skin turns white or flushes
• Trembling may occur

The less you are stressed, the healthier you are:

Stress puts a toll on your body.  If you are in a sympathetic state (fight or flight), your body is constantly over working.  This leads to system breakdown and long term wear and tear on your body.  Just think about the saying "they are giving you grey hairs". This was said for a reason.  Stress leads to inflammation and inflammation leads to disease.  

Making sure you have great coping skills and get body work when necessary is key to health.  Just look at athletes. They get chiropractic, massage, have mental coaches and do breath work.  These are all de-stressors.  

Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP can help your body stay healthy and gives tip on how to lead a low stress lifestyle.  She is located in the mission district in San Francisco.  Contact our office today!

References: 

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fight-or-flight-response-2795194