Patients often come to our office for relaxation. But what exactly is relaxation and how do we experience it? Relax means “to make or become less tense or anxious.” Scientifically, when people express a desire to ‘relax’ they’re looking for an activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS is responsible for ‘rest and digest’ functions and is important for regulating energy and physical needs like digestion and elimination. When we experience periods of high stress (hello, global pandemic) our bodies can get ‘stuck’ in patterns of the sympathetic nervous system: fight-or-flight mode.
Read morePandemic Fatigue
It’s been almost two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States, and we’re in the midst of yet another surge in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Some schools are closing again, almost every business is struggling with staffing due to employees out with illness or exposure, and “Pandemic Fatigue” might be putting it mildly at this point. So, let’s talk about pandemic fatigue. Because if you’re feeling burnt out and run down, you’re not alone. Understanding what we’re feeling and the potential causes is how we can start to find moments of joy amid the difficulty.
Read moreThe Physical Effects of Stress
With two years into pandemic life and the holiday season in full swing, many of us are feeling stressed. While we typically experience stress as an emotional state, stress has a physical effect as well. It’s important to put into perspective how stress effects the body because no matter how much green juice you drink and how many workouts you do, if you’re not working on managing stress in your life you may find health issues lingering.
Read moreEmotional Response to Bodywork
When most people receive bodywork like chiropractic, acupuncture or massage, they have some expectations of physical relief: release of tension, more freedom of movement, and/or pain reduction. Common culprits of body tension include habitual movements or postures like sedentary lifestyle, sports, or driving. But sometimes the tension or pain sensation comes from emotion, and patients might not expect the release of emotions that can happen during and after body work.
Read moreCreativity and Health
Creativity has a host of positive benefits for health. You may feel that your creative pursuits bring you joy and connect you to others. These are among the many benefits associated with creativity that are backed by science! From increased feelings of joy to greater resilience, and boosted immunity — being creative is good for body and mind.
Read moreAcupuncture and Anxiety
Like many other existing trends, mental health trends sped up over the last year and half. The CDC reports an 8-point increase in symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder and unmet mental health needs in eighteen- to twenty-nine-year-olds between August 2020 to February 2021. It’s clear we need more and better ways to help those suffering from anxiety. Combining common therapies with acupuncture treatment can reduce symptoms twice as much!
Read moreBurnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. It’s safe to say that after the last 16 eventful (and at the same time event-free) months, almost everyone feels burnt out in one way or another. So what exactly is burnout and how do we deal with it?
Read moreRe-Entry Anxiety
Throughout the pandemic, much of the conversation has circled around how and when to “get back to normal.” But after a year of adjusted living, “return to normal” might feel strange and scary instead of comforting and familiar. After more than a year in which we’ve been asked to adapt again and again to a seemingly endless stream of changes, re-adapting to pre-pandemic “normal” can feel overwhelming.
Read moreHack Your Happiness
Eating chocolate, craving cuddles, compulsively checking social media… Are these all bad habits? Or your body trying to get the essential things it needs? Sometimes our habits or cravings are trying to tell us something important about how to care for ourselves. Here’s how to feel happier on demand.
Read moreEquilibrium in Action: Lines for Life
We are still in the thick of COVID-19’s challenges. As the virus peaks again across the country, more people are experiencing pandemic fatigue and many people who were emotionally fine in the early months are now feeling the long-term strain of worry and isolation. This month please join us in supporting Lines for Life, a regional non-profit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide, and promoting mental health for all.
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