From work-related deadlines to family demands, we have a lot on our plates. As a result, we can become stressed. Some stressors can be negative and destructive while others can make us stronger. We may feel that we don’t have enough time in the day for ourselves because we’re all over the map. In this last video in a four-part series Rebuild the Temple, Dr. Jack addresses acute and chronic stress.

Acute Stress

Our bodies know how to handle this type of stress well. Recently, Dr. Jack was driving home from work. The roads were slippery, and a truck swerved into his lane right in front of him. He immediately perceived the threat to his life, and his body sprang into a stress response. Here’s what happens when such an event occurs:

• Hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline are produced
• Your blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugars and blood lips increase so we have energy
• There’s more of a clotting factor
• Your muscles contract
• Your breathing increases
• Your eyes dilate so you can take in more information
• Your vision sharpens so you can see more clearly

In essence, your body is in survival mode in an acute stress scenario. After the incident, Dr. Jack didn’t talk about what happened as he went into a state of gratitude for being alive. Had he gotten worked up about it his nervous system would have relived the experience. If you don’t intentionally focus on calming down, you will find yourself living in chronic stress.

Chronic Stress

The above responses that your body experiences also happen when you are under constant stress. We all are living under chronic stress. It’s okay to be stressed out once in a while, but you don’t want to live in a constant state of stress. Being chronically stressed can be more detrimental to one’s health than a poor diet.

What’s in Your Cup?

The first action you want to take to deal with stress is identifying where you are in life. What’s your attitude or pattern of thinking that you develop over time? Dr. Jack uses the analogy of a cup as our subconscious. Things that get dropped it the cup include our life experiences, our value system, and our belief structures. Whatever spills out of the cup indicates what’s in it.

Adopt This Stress-Busting Strategy

Take note of the things through the day that derails you. The next day review what you had gone through and look at it from as many different perspectives as you can. Think of what would have been different had you done A or B. The next time you find yourself stressed try to get through it a little better.

When we are able to manage stress well throughout our lives, we can stay stronger and healthier. We can also see more rainbows and unicorns fall out of the cup instead of a critical spirit.

Because it calms the nervous system, chiropractic care is another excellent way to help you manage the stress in your life.

At Family First Chiropractic Wellness Center our team is here to assist you with all your chiropractic needs. Please feel free to call at (563) 556-6921, we are happy to speak with you.