Many years ago, a saber-tooth tiger might have wanted you for dinner.
While that’s not likely to be a problem today, other stressful experiences – such as someone swerving into your lane on the motorway – can suddenly put your body into fight-or-flight mode, preparing for a possible attack.
Whether that attack is real or imagined your body responds in exactly the same way.
Fight or flight mode, it’s all about survival
In fight or flight mode you become alert and focused.
Your brain sends signals to your adrenal glands to release stress hormones like cortisol. And any system not vital to keeping you safe is put on hold. Such as your digestive, reproductive or immune systems. While this was helpful in escaping from the hungry saber-tooth tiger, it’s not a response often needed today.
Stress disturbs your body’s homeostasis; your state of equilibrium maintained by self-regulating processes. This impairs your ability to function and adapt, disrupting your overall wellbeing.
When it’s needed stress can be a big help.
It becomes a problem though when the stress hormones keep producing, leading to chronic stress. If your body never has a chance to recover, the negative effects build up. You can become lethargic and less resiliant. You’re less likely to exercise and everyday decisions become challenging.
Ongoing stress can be a major factor in many issues, such as:
- Headaches
- Low mood
- Poor concentration
- Pain
- Drop in libido
- Fatigue
- More frequently sick
- Poor sleep
- Digestive problems
- Achy or tight muscles
- Foggy brain
Chronic stress can insidiously impact your life.When your fight or flight mode doesn’t turn off your other body systems suffer and this can lead to pathological problems, such as:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- Chronic pain disorders
- Cancers
- Behavioural disorders
- Cardiovascular disorders
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by life when you’re not feeling your best. Regardless of your age, shape or size, gentle chiropractic adjustments are a natural way to relieve anxiety and stress, without the use of pills or surgery.
Call us today or make an appointment, I’d love to help you.