Westport, Darien, Greenwich, CT     (203) 247-2143
DAVID CURTIS PT
  • Home
  • About
    • About David
    • Blog
  • Where Does It Hurt?
    • Back Pain
    • Neck & Shoulder Pain
    • Knee Pain
    • Total Joint Surgery
  • Telehealth
  • Contact
    • Contact Information
    • Talk To David On The Phone
    • Ask About Availability
    • Apply To Work With David
  • Home
  • About
    • About David
    • Blog
  • Where Does It Hurt?
    • Back Pain
    • Neck & Shoulder Pain
    • Knee Pain
    • Total Joint Surgery
  • Telehealth
  • Contact
    • Contact Information
    • Talk To David On The Phone
    • Ask About Availability
    • Apply To Work With David

Why Stress Can Make Your Aches And Pains Worse

11/22/2018

0 Comments

 
As we approach one of the biggest holidays of the year, I know many of you can practically feel the stress baring down on you – from gifts, to parties, to kids, to food, to travel arrangements, and even to family matters, these things add up! Stress is no joke, and it affects almost every part of our lives: body, mind, spirit, and even social life. We all have to find ways to cope under the pressure of life, and that’s why this post is all about how you can start combating stress, right now. [...]
But before we get to the ways in which you can deal with stress, let’s take a look at what stress is and exactly WHY it’s such a blow to our health.
 
Stress, in simple terms, is really a state of mental tension as a result of strenuous or demanding circumstances. What most people don’t realize, though, is that mental stress translates into a dramatic effect on your body. So, even though you’re experience mental fatigue and anxiety, your body is exhibiting its own problems.
 
Why? Well, first off, mental stress can quickly turn into a state where your body assumes the fight or flightresponse. In its most recognized form, this response is what happens when an individual is in a dangerous situation. In other words, a person either fights or runs. When faced with constant stress, however, the body reacts in the same way, only now the person doesn’t run – he or she just fights.
 
When the body is placed in a constant state of agitation in this way, adrenaline and cortisol are released. In small doses these hormones are essential to survival, yet in a stressful situation they can both be really harmful. Adrenaline, for example, increases your heart rate and blood pressure – both of which are detrimental long term. Cortisol, on the other hand, drastically alters the functioning of the immune system whilst suppressing appetite – again, both situations are extremely harmful in the long term. Here are some of the harmful side-effects of the prolonged exposure to these hormones:
 
  • Increased Headaches: these sometimes even lead to migraines.
  • Muscle Spasms: oftentimes leads to incapacitation and a drop in fitness levels.
  • Stomach Pain: often leads to a loss of appetite, metabolic issues, and a host of health problems.
  • Weight Gain: as a result of unusual appetite fluctuation as well as confused metabolic systems.
  • Depression: feelings of being overwhelmed can lead to a total collapse of will, energy, and joy.
  • Altered Sleep Patterns: this can lead to an increase in stress due to the body’s inability to recover whilst in an REM state.
 
Hold on, before you feel as though you need to cancel Thanksgiving or Christmas this year, the good news is that there are ways with which to conquer stress. As with everything, your body just needs ways to cope, heal, and maintain a stress free routine. Here are some ideas I’d urge you to give a go, right now:
 
Yoga or Pilates 
Have you heard the saying that “getting onto the mat is the hardest part”? Well, that’s true. Trying gentle stretches and relaxation techniques, such as those found in yoga and Pilates routines, is an excellent way to reduce stress levels. Namaste!
 
Make Sure you’re Getting Enough Sleep
Now, I know a lack of sleep is a side effect of a stressful state, but making the effort to get into bed earlier, turning your phone off at least an hour before bed, avoiding all screens in the bedroom, and creating a comfortable sleeping environment, is a definite way to help you release some of that stress.
 
Meditate
This tip may perhaps not sound as though it’s for you, but I promise that a little quiet time, meditation, gentle music, or whatever your name for it might be, will help you relax. Remember to breathe deeply and slowly, focusing on the present moment and being thankful for the opportunity to be alive. You could also try a great application called Headspace – a revolutionary new way of guided meditation, mindfulness, and stress management. Why not give it a try?
 
Eat Well
Avoid excessively fatty, sugary, or salty foods, as these generally alter your mood and may aggravate the symptoms of stress. Why not try cooking new dishes or making tried and tested family-favorites with your nearest and dearest? Take the time out to appreciate the love of food in a healthful, mindful way.
 
Laugh
Truly, this is perhaps the most impressive stress-buster out there. Laugh with all your might – watch that comedy show, spend time with the relative who makes you giggle, do childlike, magical things that bring a smile to your face. Stress doesn’t stand a chance against unabashed happiness.
 
Spend Time with Loved Ones
No explanation needed. Love fiercely, wake up early, and sit down to a cup of java with your favorite people in the world.
 
Listen to Your Body 
If you’re tired, have a rest. If you’re saying “yes” too often, say “no”. Be a little selfish – and whilst this is a little controversial, remember that the world won’t stop just because you take an hour for yourself. It’s so important to listen to your body – our natural instinct is to do what’s best for us. Just become quiet and listen closely… you’ll know what to do.
 
See a Physical Therapist
If your spasms don’t seem to ease, or you are in constant physical pain and discomfort due to stress, don’t wait. Oftentimes the aches and pain can increase over time. The best thing you can do is to see a professional, qualified physiotherapist to help you recover in no time. With special exercises, stretches, and a hands-on routine, you’ll be ready for whatever this holiday season throws at you.
 
So, there you have it: essential tips for combating stress this holiday season and beyond. And remember to drink enough water! Don’t let stress affect your mind and body – take control and put the smile back on your face. Keep the adrenaline for unwrapping the gifts, and the cortisol for the chocolaty desserts – don’t let stress steal your joy. Happy holidays!
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    David Curtis | Physical Therapy

    David Curtis

    "Helping on-the-move Mom's, Dad's and busy executives in Fairfield County, CT return to a pain free, active lifestyle without the use of medications, injections, surgery or unnecessary trips to the physician's office"

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018

    Categories

    All
    Aches
    Achilles Tendonitis
    Active During The Holidays
    Active Rest
    Active Rest In Work Out
    Active Rest Meaning
    Adhesive Capsulitis
    Ankle Injury
    Ankle Injury Prevention
    Ankle Pain
    Avoid Sciatica Pain
    Back Pain
    Balance
    Best Physical Therapist Fairfield County
    Best Physical Therapy On Your Area
    Best Tips For Scialtica
    Carpal Tunnel Physical Therapy
    Carpal Tunnel PT
    Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    Cause Of Ankle Pain
    Concussion
    Cope With Pain While Sitting
    Core Strength
    Covid Symptoms
    Cracking Neck When In Pain
    Craniosacral Therapy
    Diet
    Difference Between Physical And Massage
    Difference Between Physical Therapy And Massage Therapy
    Don'ts In Backpain
    Do's And Don'ts In Back Pain
    Do's On Back Pain
    Dr Google
    Dr Youtube
    Exercise
    Exercise During Pregnancy
    Exercise Routine
    Feeling Pain After An Evaluation
    Feeling Pain After Physical Therapy
    Finding The Right Therapist
    Find The Right Physical Therapist
    Fix Scar Tissue
    Food Pyramid Still Relevant
    Foot Pain
    Frozen Shoulder
    Frozen Shoulders
    Gardening With Back Pain
    Gardening With Neck Pain
    Gardening With Shoulder Pain
    Get The Most Out Of Physical Therapy
    Golf Pain
    Google For Medical Advice
    Headache
    Healthy
    Healthy Diet
    Healthy Habits
    Heel Pain
    Hiking Injury
    Hip Pain
    Holiday Season
    How To Cope With Pain
    How To Find The Best Physical Therapist In Fairfield
    How To Increase Mileage
    How To Increase Mileage Safely
    How To Prevent Knee Pain
    Improve Long Covid Symptoms
    Increase Mileage While Running
    Injuries
    Injury
    Injury Prevention
    Is Is Safe To Exercise During Pregnancy
    Is It Safe To Crack My Neck
    Is It Unsafe To Exercise During Pregnancy
    Is Mri Imaging Appropriate
    Is The Food Pyramid
    Jobs
    Joint Pain In The Cold
    Knee Pain
    Knee Pain On Work From Home
    Knee Pain When Working From Home
    Managing Back Pain
    Managing Neck Pain
    Managing Pain Through Gardening
    Managing Shoulder Pain
    Meaning Of Active Rest
    Migraine Andheadache
    Migraines And Headaches
    MRI During An Evaluation
    Mri Imaging During An Evaluation
    Muscles
    Neck Pain
    Need To Make Doctors Appointment
    Need To Visit The Chiropractor
    New Year's
    New Years Resolution
    Not Sleeping Well
    Obstacle Awareness
    Overuse Training Syndrome
    Pain
    Pain After Physical Therapy
    Pains
    Pain While Sitting
    Personalized Care
    Physical Therapist
    Physical Therapy
    Physical Therapy For Carpal Tunnel
    Physical Therapy For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    Physical Therapy For Headache
    Physical Therapy For Headaches
    Physical Therapy For Migraine
    Physical Therapy For Migraines
    Physical Therapy Is Feeling Pain
    Physical Therapy Right For Me
    Physical Therapy Vs Massage Therapy
    Physical Vs Massage
    Physical Vs Massage Therapy
    Pinched Nerve
    Piriformis Syndrome
    Plantar Fasciitis
    Posture
    PT For Carpal Tunnel
    Pt For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    Pt For Headache
    Pt For Headaches
    Pt For Migraine
    Pt For Migraines
    Pulled Muscles
    Reasons Youre Not Sleeping Well
    Recovering Inury
    Resting
    Right Physical Therapist
    Running
    Running Injuries
    Running Pain
    Safe To Crack My Neck
    Scar Tissue Effects
    Sciatica Pain
    Shoes Causing Ankle Pain
    Shoulder Pain
    Signs Of Adhesive Capsulitis
    Signs Of Frozen Shoulder
    Signs Of Frozen Shoulders
    Sleep
    Sleep Habits
    Snow
    Stay Active During Holidays
    Stick To Your New Years Resolution
    Stress
    Stretching
    Struggling With Plantar Fasciitis
    The Best Physical Therapist In Fairfield
    The Food Pyramid
    Theories Behind Winter Joint Pain
    Tips For Back Pain
    Tips For Travelling
    Tips To Avoid Sciatica
    Tips To Avoid Sciatica Pain
    Travelling With Back Pain
    Trouble Sleeping
    Upper Back Pain
    Value Of Personalized Care
    Warming Up Before Exercise
    Warming Up Is Important
    Ways To Sleep Well
    What Can I Do With Pinched Nerve
    What Is Pinched Nerve
    Why Crack My Neck
    Why Food Pyramid
    Why Not Food Pyramid
    Why Not Google For Medical Advice
    Why Not Sleeping Well
    Why Not Youtube For Medical Advice
    Winter Joint Pain
    Work Out
    Wrist Pain
    You Need To Know About Plantar Fasciitis
    Your Shoes Causing Ankle Pain
    Youtube For Medical Advice

    RSS Feed

Locations:


​
6 Crockett St
Rowayton, CT 06853


Service Area:
​Fairfield County

Phone Number:
(203) 247 2143


Office Hours:

"I am available when YOU are available"
​
​
Mon. - Fri. : 8 AM - 6 PM
Sat. & Sun. : 10 AM - 2 PM 


​
​21 Charles St, Suite M
​Westport, CT 06880


Service Area:
​Fairfield County

Phone Number:
(203) 247 2143


Office Hours:

"I am available when YOU are available" 
​

Mon. - Fri. : 8 AM - 6 PM
Sat. & Sun. : 10 AM - 2 PM 


Privacy Policy (click here) 

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:
All information on this website  is intended for instruction and informational purposes only. The authors are not responsible for any harm or injury that may result. Significant injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek suitable professional advice about your injury. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied on this website. 
Site powered by Weebly. Managed by PT Website Secrets
© David L. Curtis P.T. All Rights Reserved