Stress Management Techniques: How Stress Impacts Us – Part 1 of 4

November 24, 2022

No matter who you are or what you do, we all experience stress in our lives. That stress has been amplified in recent years when you add COVID and isolation from family and friends; political tension; inflation and financial stress. Stress can manifest itself in physical ways, causing tension in our head, neck, shoulders, and even mid to lower back. It can change how we move and how we breathe. Both of which have even bigger health effects and impacts.

Over the next 4 weeks we are going to be going through practical tips on how to better manage stress. The pain science we know shows how stress and emotions run on similar pathways as pain and therefore can increase symptoms of pain, be it related to injury or chronic problems.

A big first step in managing pain that may be impacted by stress, or by stress in general is first and foremost being aware of stress we carry. Participating in reflective strategies such as journaling, can be a great way to acknowledge what thoughts and emotions you are carrying. Go one step farther and include a note on how you are feeling, and what impact it may be having on your pain. To balance out those notes, consider also journaling your gratitude – writing 5 things you are grateful for that day