We all know stress isn’t good for us; it can mess with our minds and our mental wellbeing. But it can also manifest itself in ways we may not have considered. The physical effect of stress on our bodies can be a direct result of our exhausted, overworked minds.
Chronic stress can lead to a multitude of physical issues, from headaches to a weakened immune system, insomnia and muscle tension. At YOU, we are here to help alleviate your stress as part of your own commitment to staying well in body and mind, and muscle tension is our area of expertise!
Here are some tips for keeping in check with your body, knowing when to book in for a massage, osteo or acupuncture appointment, and figuring out which treatments will help you and the way your body has physically been affected by stress.
Don’t forget to listen to your body as well as your mind
We can spend a lot of time trying to ignore how we feel, brushing our stress under the carpet and hoping it will just disappear without any positive input from ourselves. Often though, those little alarm bells that go off in our head are trying their hardest to alert us to the fact that we are overwhelmed, carrying too much and taking on too many commitments. Avoiding burnout is the goal here, and learning to listen not just to your mind but your body too is key!
If you are feeling pain in any area of your body, the problem could be a result of underlying stress. Working at a computer all day? Of course, the physical behaviour attached to this can add to repetitive strain. But even just checking in with our bodies and realising how much we tense our shoulders, for example, can make a lasting difference to our wellbeing.
Book in for a massage treatment with one of our therapists and release stress from your body
If you’re prone to forgetting to check in with yourself, set alarms, appointments and reminders
It’s all too easy to forget to keep an eye on ourselves, because it’s a lot easier to see things in others. If you’re prone to forgetting to make sure you’re alright, why not treat it like any other appointment in your life? Add it to your calendar or phone reminders and actually stick to it when it flashes up on your screen! Book in future self-care to keep your mind and body in a better place.
Consider your job or how you spend the majority of your time
It makes sense that our usual position at a desk or on our feet will have an impact on our bodies and our pain levels, and if you’re under stressful conditions in your workplace or wherever you are spending a lot of your time, this can impact you further. Consider booking in for an Osteopathy appointment to check your alignment is correct. Misalignment can lead to compressed nerves and extra tension in muscles, which can cause increased chance of pain too.
Massage can help relieve stress and anxiety
Massage can help lower cortisol levels in your body, which in turn allows you to escape being stuck in a fight-or-flight cycle. Massage therapy also works to release serotonin. Known as the ‘happy chemical’, it helps reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, which in turn can help reset your relationship to pain.
Daily stretches and yoga can be the perfect body boost!
If you don’t already do any stretching, we’d highly recommend you start! We run classes upstairs at Younity Studio – a range of yoga classes for different levels, as well as a variety of Urban Retreats and Workshops if you’d like to explore more.
What else?
Acupuncture can work to regulate the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels by stimulating certain pressure points in the body. It also works to encourage the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins – both natural stress relievers!
Sometimes a change to your mindset can really help with managing stress and mental wellness. If you’re looking for a way to disrupt your current patterns, an alternative therapy such as Sound Healing, Reiki or Meditation can be of great benefit.
Our therapists at YOU offer so many different options for helping you deal with the stresses life throws your way. Book in today for an old favourite, a new treatment, or if you need more advice, give us a call or send us an email.
