Did you know more than half of all Americans have reported feeling stress in their life? Several of those deal with every day’s challenges on top of their current stresses and anxiety, without any plan to help the situation. Some types of stress should be addressed by a physician or with premier physical therapy in Casper, WY. Other matters can be addressed on your own, without any medication at all! Explore some of the top ways to help manage your stress.
 

Breathing Exercises
 

Practicing breathing exercises can be an excellent way to reduce stress. By practicing breathing exercises, you can force your body to slow down and reset. Physically, you can feel better in a matter of minutes. How? When taking deep breaths, messages are sent to the brain that can slow a fast-beating heart and other symptoms of stress and anxiety. Try some of these tips to get started:
 

• Sit in a quiet room in a comfortable position. For some, standing or laying down is more relaxing, feel free to choose what you like.
• Cancel out internal thoughts by thinking of something you can repeat over and over in your head. It can be a specific word, phrase or noise.
• Choose an amount of time you will dedicate to breathing. Silence your phone and put it on another side of the room to avoid distractions, but you can set a subtle alarm, so you know when to complete your exercises. This way, you will not be checking in on the time.
• Close your eyes and take deep breaths and exhales. Breathe in and take a deep breath for three seconds, and exhale for six. Repeat this. Focus on how you feel and the word, phrase or noise you choose to cancel out running thoughts.
• Can’t sleep? Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique that claims to help you nod off in 60 seconds.

 

Food

 
One of the best ways you can control stress is through eating. Certain types of food will help you feel better, hence reducing stress. Some of these foods include:
 

• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Berries
• Dark Chocolate
• Nuts
• Oatmeal
• Oranges
• Red peppers
• Salmon
• Spinach
• Tea
• Turkey

 

Physical Therapy for Pain
 

Various aches and pains throughout the body can be a contributor to stress. Things such as the neck, shoulder, and back pain can and should be assessed by a professional. By visiting a local physical therapist, you can enhance your quality of life by reducing or even eliminating pain. In addition, if you feel certain “tight muscles,” ask your physical therapist about dry needling. Also known as “trigger point dry needling,” small needles are strategically placed to loosen trigger points. Common areas include the neck, back, shoulders, temples, knees, and feet.
 
As you work to reduce stress in your life, North Platte Physical Therapy is your go-to physical therapist. Our team will work with you, so you can reduce pain. Through a series of customized exercises, you will feel much better and ready to accomplish anything. Contact us today to see how we can help you!