If you don’t acknowledge and express your response to an experience, including your emotions, it can be stored in your body and your nervous system. So many of us hold things in unconsciously even if it affects us negatively. Explore the common places where we hold stress in our bodies.

We talk a lot about the sympathetic nervous system that activates your flight or flight stress response. We help you tap into the “rest and digest” mode which is operated by the more mellow parasympathetic nervous system. But wait, there’s more!

Blame it on our ancient DNA. Our prehistoric ancestors lived in the wilderness, constantly on high-alert of danger and probably ran for their lives on a near-daily basis. It was the stress response cycle - the way our body leaps into action as soon as it perceives a threat - that kept them alive. Today, it’s what’s stressing us out!

You are a better communicator than you realize! Did you know that your brain is in constant communication with – of all things – your gut? That’s why an uncomfortable conversation can induce butterflies or loose bowel movements and why you might not feel like your usual perky self when your stomach is off.

To truly understand the incredibly complex processes going on in any part of your body, especially one as intricate as your nervous system, you would probably need a PhD in neuroscience. Assuming you don’t have that degree or the time to study for one, we’re going to use this week’s blog to give you a ‘tip of the iceberg’ glance at your own nervous system.

Your body speaks a different language than you do. Your body responds to a stressful situation through a flight or fight response, which is essentially a quick release of hormones. Your body completes the stress cycle by – literally – working it out. Run, bike, swim, or dance. Any kind of physical activity that makes you move and deepens your breathing will signal to your brain that the threat has passed. Try it for 20-60 minutes a day, every day if possible. After all, most humans experience stress on a daily basis.

It is no surprise that this year has had trials and tribulations. Oftentimes, the uncertainty of the unknown translates into an experience of stress, anxiety or unease. The past 6 months with the events of a global pandemic, the economy ceasing to operate for months and a restriction on international travel have all altered our “normal” routines. Dr. Madolyn Linka, DC explains what happens to our central nervous system when we are faced with stressful situations in this fantastic blog post!

An opportunity to better understand your pain and resources to help you take control of your pain.