Stress, Tension, and Pain: The Holiday Connection
Have you ever wondered why you always feel some pain or discomfort heading into the busy Christmas Holiday period? Well we might have some answers for you!
Stress is a factor which can influence how intensely we feel pain. The more stressed we are, whether that stress is about work, pain or even booking that much-needed Christmas holiday! The more likely it is our stress levels can influence our pain.
Physiologically, when we experience stress, our body will undergo changes in order to be able to respond appropriately to these stressors. Two examples of these changes are a chemical release, such as adrenaline and cortisol (these help to increase heart rate and regulate energy by increasing our blood glucose levels so we are prepared to react quickly!) Another change is muscle tension to also prepare us to react to the stress!
Our body will have a similar reaction to all forms of stress, whether the stress is due to work, family, booking a holiday etc.
A lot of this can sound pretty scary, but it is a normal reaction and if your body is doing these things, then that is a good thing!
It is important to have an understanding of how our body is working, to understand when we can manage something ourselves, and when we may need to seek some further assistance. This is especially relevant when we look at pain, as stress can amplify the perception of pain due to chest physiological changes and the subsequent sensitisation of the nervous system.
So what can you do about it?
Breathe ~ although it sounds simple, taking a moment during times of stress to just breathe can help us lower our heart rate, which will better equip you for managing signs of stress and / or pain!
Stretch or Move around ~ this can help you manage those signs of tension and promote relaxation
Sleep ~ sleep is a very important part of our rest and recovery, so setting a bedtime and a good sleep routine (put away your digital devices at least 1 hour before bedtime) can help prepare you for the next day!
Manage pain early ~ if you do experience any aches or pains, see your local healthcare professional for an assessment and advice to address any issues early on.
Overall, stress is not a bad process in the body, it is there to help us out! The most important thing is to have an understanding of what it is, and how you can intentionally influence your stress levels with our tips above! Remember that when we are stressed, this could amplify your pain levels, so get onto any aches or pains early because we don’t need to experience pain for any longer than necessary!
