~~This is the time of year many people are getting back to school and  work after a summer off. With this change in routine comes stress. Three categories of stress encountered here are physical, chemical and emotional.

Emotional stress: The reasons for this kind of stress vary considerably depending on the environment encountered. It can be stress from dealing with the work place environment/expectations to meeting new classmates to just changing your social environment from summer activities to school or work activities. Also, this type of stress may  lead  to, for example, difficulty sleeping, which can lead to all kinds of health problems.

Physical stress: Generally here the change to work or school routine requirements can cause one to experience physical stress. From dealing with rush hour traffic to carrying a heavy back pack full of books. This can lead to, for example, back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

Chemical stress: You may work or go to school in a building that has air that is polluted and therefore somewhat toxic to your health. This may cause, for example, irritability and headaches. You may change your diet. Going back to school or work may lead you to to have an unhealthful diet. You may have less time to prepare nutritious food and instead you may resort to a diet high in carbohydrate laden processed foods. This may lead to weight gain, heart problems, etc,.

I think one of the best ways to avoid these types of stress is to understand that one, you may be confronted with them and two, find ways to avoid them or minimize them. Very simply, for example, attempt not to let changes in  the work place or school cause you stress and make an effort to have a healthful diet. In other words, to reduce and/or avoid stress you need to be aware that you are going into a situation(s) that has the potential to cause you stress and you have to make up your mind to proactively avoid and reduce stress.

Some general things you can do to minimize stress:
Avoid caffeine 4-6 hours before going to bed
Get regular exercise
Research and try to understand the new environment before you get involved in it.
Make sure you have a healthful diet low in sweets and processed foods.
Make sure to take time out for yourself.
Learn to mentally relax.

This blog is from the desk of Ann Arbor Chiropractor Mike Tannenbaum, D.C. If you have any questions about this post, chiropractic, back pain or neck pain Dr. Tannenbaum can be contacted at [email protected].