As a society today, we are riddled with stress and have accepted living with it in our lives. Some of us struggle today to relax and have even forgotton what it’s like to relax. Our “smart” lives keep us constantly plugged in to a constant stream of notifications so our mind has no rest. How many of us sit down and eat a meal without any distractions – TV or looking at our phones? Today, multiple studies have linked our constant state of stress as a contributor to many ailments and diseases. Stress can manifest physically in tight necks and shoulders, weakened immune system, digestive disorders, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer, even endometriosis.
In Chinese Medicine, any disease begins when there is a blockage to the flow of energy. Overtime, this blockage can lead to symptoms which if not addressed or treated may lead to some of the diseases mentioned above.
Finding ways to deal with stress and lowering the feelings of anxiety you experience are paramount building blocks to maintaining good health and preventing disease.
Here are some practical tips on how to manage stress:
1) Practice breathing
One of the simplest and easiest ways of dealing with stress is a through breathing. Research has shown that deep breathing can stimulate the vagus nerve which switches off the body’s internal fight or flight response. This in turn activates the parasympathetic nervous system which allows the body to kick into rest and digest mode. By just focusing on the breath, you can feel an immediate sense of calm and wellbeing.
2) Go out in nature
Turning away from our screens and being out in an open space looking at greenery has been found to generate positive energy and is relaxing and restorative for both the mind and body. If you’re stuck in an office without greenery around, adding a green plant on your desk can also be beneficial.
3) Meditating
Science has shown that meditating has profound effects on our overall wellbeing. The practice of slowing down and not thinking is greatly beneficial in dealing with stress. Find an easy guided meditation to start off with. Again, it does not have to be long, just 5 minutes a day is all you need to get started with.
4) Do something that you love doing
Do you remember doing something that you loved doing as a child be it colouring, singing, dancing. Turning to an activity that you love takes your mind off your troubles and negative self talk. It does not have to be a tedious task. You can do it for 5 minutes and that in itself is a form of meditation.
5) Acupuncture and herbs
Acupuncture works on balancing your internal environment. Based on a series of questions, our acupuncturists find out what imbalances you have and choose points based on what is best for you. Many of our patients find that acupuncture has helped them in coping with their busy week. Our acupuncturist Dawn will be holding a relax and restore workshop on Sunday 15th May 2022 by Narrabeen lake. The session will incorporate meditation, qi gong, acupuncture and sound healing which will be guaranteed to send your body into a state of calm bliss. For more info and to get tickets you can follow this link: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sunday-healing-vibes-relax-restore-tickets-321588097657
