By Dr. Amy Davis, MD
We experience stress in various ways. Injuries, infections, allergies, sleep, work, diet, toxins and then there is LIFE!
Throughout our lives we are bombarded with stressful events, good and bad. Even exciting events can be stressful for your body – like a wedding or new baby. Difficult experiences result in emotions like fear, sadness, grief and anger. No one goes through life unscathed which results in a build-up of stored emotions. Chronic stress leads to a variety of physiological changes and emotional burdens which interfere with optimal health and the ability to heal.
Stress of any kind leads to:
- Elevated cortisol levels and weight gain
- Food cravings
- Poor digestion and absorption of nutrients
- Dysbiosis
- Immune weakness
- Sympathetic overdrive – chronic fight or flight
- Sleep problems
- Brain fog and poor concentration
These changes can create more stress which can spiral out of control creating disease.
The build-up of emotions over time creates a burden and a feeling of being weighted down. It skews how you see and respond to others. You may become defensive, irritable, short tempered and in general react out of proportion to the situation. It can foster negative self-talk perpetuating the cycle and compounding the physiological effects on your body. Your body reacts the same whether the threat is real or just perceived. When you are STUCK you often don’t realize or understand why you are having such a hard time changing behavior.
Mind Body Spirit practices can be invaluable in dealing with stress. There are a variety of methods that can be highly effective like relaxation techniques, meditation, visualization, deep breathing, yoga or Qi gong. You can know what to do and yet continually feel like you are swimming upstream, falling into old dysfunctional patterns and struggling to find peace in your life.
I am excited to team up with Nicole Waters, Wellness Coach of nicolewatersempowers.com to offer a “Live More and Stress Less” workshop in October. This workshop will identify sources of stress and give you the tools to learn how you can effectively reduce your stress. Let us help you to be happier and healthier.
Space is Limited so sign up early. Find out more at www.crossingbacktohealth.com
Take the next steps to achieve Health & Well Being in your WHOLE Life.
Amy Davis M.D.
Crossing Back to Health
11477 Olde Cabin Rd. Suite 100
Creve Coeur, MO 63131
636 778-9158
www.crossingbacktohealth.com
Accepting new patients.
No membership required.