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The Weight of Mental Load on Your Health
As parents, you're no stranger to juggling multiple responsibilities—work, family, errands, and the never-ending list of tasks that weigh on your mind. But have you considered how this mental load affects your overall health and wellness? Welcome to Base Camp Health, where we offer gentle, specific, and holistic chiropractic care in Gilbert, AZ. We understand that stressors, both physical and mental, can throw off the balance of your nervous system.
In this article, we'll explore how decreasing your mental load can not only help you find peace but also significantly improve your overall health. If you're interested in listening to a podcast on this subject, Katherine Garcia, LPC of Core Connect Wellness and myself sat down and discussed this very topic in a podcast, you can listen to it here or watch the video of the recording below.
The Mechanics of Stress: Understanding Your Nervous System
What is the Autonomic Nervous System?
Our autonomic nervous system is the control center for involuntary actions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It's divided into two main parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic system is your body's "fight or flight" mechanism, while the parasympathetic system works to relax the body and promote "rest and digest" functions.
How Constant Stress Affects Your Body
When you're in a state of constant stress, your sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive. This imbalance can lead to numerous health issues, from digestive problems to impaired immune response. A heightened state of stress makes it harder for your body to heal, whether you're dealing with a simple cold or chronic pain.
The Impact of Mental Load on Your Health
What is Mental Load?
Mental load refers to the mental work or cognitive tasks you have to manage regularly. These could include remembering doctor appointments, making sure the pantry is stocked, or planning family outings. The list goes on and on and on, you get the idea.
How Mental Load Fuels Stress
The strain of carrying a heavy mental load can escalate your stress levels, triggering your sympathetic nervous system. This disrupts the natural balance between your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, making you more susceptible to health problems because your body is never able to fully relax enough to begin the healing processes that are vital to health and wellness.
Solutions: How to Decrease Mental Load for Improved Health
Mindfulness Techniques
Practicing mindfulness can be a beneficial strategy. By bringing your attention to the present moment, you become aware of your thoughts and feelings, making it easier to spot stress triggers and manage your mental load.
Physical Exercise
Regular exercise releases endorphins, helping to counterbalance stress. Even a simple 20-minute walk in the many walking paths scattered through the Gilbert, AZ area such as Veterans Oasis Park, located in Chandler, AZ can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Delegate and Organize
Don't hesitate to distribute tasks among family members or use tools like family management apps to stay organized. A shared load is easier to bear and will help lower overall family stress. Being able to talk with your partner is also a key element of being able to distribute the mental load between the two of you.
How Chiropractic Care at Base Camp Health Can Help
Rebalancing Your Nervous System
At Base Camp Health, our specialized chiropractic care aims to rebalance your nervous system. Through gentle adjustments, we target misaligned vertebrae that could be putting pressure on your nerves, causing a myriad of health issues, all of which will cause an increase in your sympathetic nervous system.
Optimizing Your Autonomic System
Our holistic approach focuses on both your spinal health and your overall wellness, helping you manage the effects of a high mental load. By aligning your spine, we aid your body in returning to a state where your autonomic system functions optimally, making the effects of stress less impactful on your body and mind.
Take the Step Towards Holistic Wellness
A heavy mental load doesn't just cloud your mind—it takes a toll on your overall health. By adopting techniques to manage this load and engaging in chiropractic care, you can set yourself on the path to holistic wellness. Parents in the Gilbert, AZ area looking for a gentle, specific, and holistic approach to stress management and overall health should consider making Base Camp Health their home base for wellness.
At Base Camp Health, we are committed to helping you and your family live balanced, fulfilling lives. Your health journey begins with a single step. Make that step today by contacting us to schedule a consultation.
Remember, a balanced nervous system starts with a lighter mental load, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.
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