Election Stress

What it’s doing to you - and how to work through it

If you’re wondering why you are feeling more stressed lately, the source may well be our current election campaign.  According to Psychology Today, "over 52% of adults are feeling increased stress and tension attributed to the Presidential Campaign."  

Chronic Stress is Not Healthy for your body!

While short bursts of stress can be normal for your body, prolonged periods of stress can have detrimental effects.  Some of the symptoms of chronic stress include increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased blood glucose, anxiety, depression, insomnia, overeating, headaches, tension in the neck, back and shoulders.  Over time, our bodies lose the ability to cope and our health can suffer. Chronic stress can lead to cardiovascular events, Type 2 diabetes, decreased immune system just to name a few.

Here are a few simple things you can do today to reduce your stress levels:

• Soothing Music – “Let It Be” by the Beatles came on the radio today. I immediately felt better while it played
• Change your posture – sit up straight and keep your head upright.  This takes pressure off of the nervous system.
• Use cold packs over sore areas and take a hot bath with Epsom salts to relax your whole body.
• Mindfulness, meditation, tai chi or just read a nice book.
• Go for a walk, especially with a friend (furry friends are great for this!)
• Unplug – everything. No phone, tv, computer or tablet. Give yourself a break.
• Go to bed early.  A good night’s sleep does wonders for our health.
• See a counselor, get acupuncture, get a massage and get adjusted by your Chiropractor!