Striking back against stress

Stress-reduction-131437409You know exercise is good for your body. Well, researchers are finding it’s just as beneficial for your mind. That’s because working out has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve your mood. It helps boost your confidence; distracts you from worries; gives you the opportunity to socialize with others; improves your sleep; and enables you to cope—in a healthy way—with any problems.

A physical therapist (PT) can design an exercise program you’ll enjoy—and stick with. It will likely involve aerobic activity, which will get your heart pumping and chase away the blues. Keep in mind, small amounts of activity are beneficial, whether it’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator or taking the dog for a walk. Exercise releases feel-good brain chemicals called endorphins, which will lift your mood.

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese technique in which thin needles are inserted into the skin, may also help reduce stress. In a recent study published in the Journal of Endocrinology, researchers discovered that stress hormones were lower in rats that had received acupuncture. Another study conducted at Yale University found that acupuncture needles placed around the ear helped reduce anxiety among mothers whose children were about to have surgery. The benefit was so great that after the surgeries were over, more than half the mothers who had received the treatment asked to keep the needles in place.

For more information on how physical therapy and acupuncture can help you combat stress, contact us here.

Tagged with: , , , ,

Posted in: Acupuncture, All Posts, Fitness, Health & Wellness

Contact Us

  • * All indicated fields must be completed.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Five Convenient Locations

lake-como
edison
manalapan

edison
brick

Location Map:
logo3
logo4
logo5
logo2
logo2

New Jersey Top Doctor 2017
New Jersey Top Doctor 2017
logo4
Monmouth Health and Life Magazine Reader's Choice Award 2016 Winner
Monmouth Health and Life Magazine Reader's Choice Award 2015 Winner
Monmouth Health and Life Magazine Reader's Choice Award 2016 Winner