OPINION – It has been estimated that 90-95 percent of all diseases originate from stress. Let’s examine this: the number one cause of death in the United States is heart disease.
Do you know what virus, germ, or bug causes heart disease? That’s kind of a loaded question because there isn’t an answer. Heart disease is what we call a lifestyle disease. Through the habits that we do on a daily basis heart disease will either manifest or not. This is IMPORTANT! I repeat: the number one cause of death in the United States is completely preventable!
I was listening to the radio several months ago and the newscaster was reporting on how a new study out of Harvard medical school confirmed that stress is a negative stimuli to the body and it can lead to disease processes. Next thing you know a study will come out confirming that air is good for us as well. Seriously though, stress is not something to be taken lightly.
The challenging thing about stress is that it is completely self-imposed and it is different for everyone. For example, the holidays can be an extremely enjoyable time for some filled with joy, happiness and love. Conversely that same period of time has one of the highest rates of suicide compared to any other time of the year. How can this be? It is the same event, but it is how we perceive this time.
Learning how to manage or accept stress is the first step to controlling this demon. Coping techniques range from easy breathing exercises to full blown heavy exercising. Find what works for you, and understand that what works for you won’t necessarily work for the co-worker next to you.
The next time you notice that you are starting to spin out of control, try this simple breathing exercise. Start by inhaling for 6 seconds through your nose. Then hold this breath for 4 seconds. End by exhaling through your mouth for 6 seconds. This method of 6-4-6 breathing will reset you physiologically and bring your body into a state of peace as opposed to chaos.
Understand that it is imperative to find some outlet to release the tension that is brought on by stress or the pot will bubble over, and this is never a good thing.
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By Anthony Rayman
Dr. Anthony Rayman is the owner of Sacramento’s KeyStone Chiropractic. For more information about his practice, visit http://keystonechiroinsac.com.