Stress Management for Improved Health

Stress Management for Improved Health

by Natasha Polak

According to the American Institute of Stress, when you experience a repeated overload of negative stress, it becomes distress, and you can no longer function normally. Repeated stress causes depression, poor decision-making skills, restlessness and insomnia, irritability, forgetfulness, a lowered immune system, heart problems, high blood pressure, skin conditions, diabetes, generalized and specific body pain, and decreased libido or problems with infertility.  Being stressed-out puts your body at risk for developing any number of short-term and long-term physical and mental ailments, and diminishes your ability to connect well with loved ones, colleagues, and peers, thus setting you up for conflicts in your relationships at home, work, and school.  Oftentimes situations outside of your control lead to stress, such as financial crises, the loss of a loved one, or the onset of an illness, but most of the time it actually has more to do with your daily lifestyle than anything else. 

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Are you the type of person who tends to burn the candle on both ends?  Are you addicted to your work?  Are you prone to worry on a regular basis?  Just because you lead a busy lifestyle, doesn’t mean it must be a harmful one!  Instead, relieve stress by doing something you love!

The number one rule of stress management is… to relax your mind so that your body can calm down and recharge.  For many people, this is hard to do, particularly if you are a workaholic and often take your work home with you – so that work is constantly on your to-do list, even when you should be leaving it at the door when you’re not on the clock.  For others, certain times of the year can cause or exacerbate stress, such as with celebrating holidays, or when the days are colder and darker.  But when you unwind with your favorite pastime – whether it’s listening to music, crafting, reading, exercising, cooking, or spending quality time with those you love – you can improve your mood and instantly reduce stress, regardless of your schedule or what the weather dictates.

During the month of May, the Indianapolis community offers a host of fun activities just waiting for you to discover!  Here’s a look at some of the best events you won’t want to miss this month:

• Indianapolis Museum of Art – All month long, you can stroll the grounds to view the IMA’s Spring Blooms: Celebration of Color.
• The 500 Festival – It’s the spirit of Indianapolis that keeps residents in-tune with the local community with a long-standing tradition of events for the whole family:

May 3                    Kickoff to May

May 6                    500 Festival KidsFit Program

                                OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

                                Finish Line 500 Festival 5K

May 13                 JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day

                                JPMorgan Chase 500 Festival Rookie Run

May 20                 Breakfast at the Brickyard

May 26                 500 Festival Memorial Service

May 27                 IPL 500 Festival Parade

                                KeyBank 500 Festival Snakepit Ball

• Summer 2017 Carmel Farmers Market on Center Green – May 6, available each Saturday morning through September.
• Market at Hague –May 6, available each Saturday morning through October.
• Pure Speed Drag Racing Experience at Lucas Oil Raceway – May 7.
• Carmel Arts and Design District – Hub for local arts and design is hosting these events:

May 13                 IU Health North Hospital Gallery Walk

May 20                 Safe Summer Cycling

May 26                 Late Night on Main

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Lots of special events held at the racing capital of the world:

May 12                 IndyCar Grand Prix Practice & Qualifying

May 13                 4^th Annual IndyCar Grand Prix

May 15-18           Verizon IndyCar Series Practice

May 19                 Indy 500 “Fast Friday” Verizon IndyCar Series Practice

May 20                 Verizon IndyCar Series Practice & Qualifications

May 21                 Armed Forces Pole Day

May 22                 Verizon IndyCar Series Practice

May 26                 Miller Lite Carb Day

May 27                 Legends Day

May 28                 101^st Running of the Indy 500

• Brick Street Market – May 20, featuring a free, family-fun day of food, crafts, and shopping.
• Broad Ripple Art Fair – May 20 and 21, conveniently accessible via the Monon Trail.
• Indianapolis Zoo – Lots of great events for all ages to enjoy:

All month            Butterfly Kaleidoscope (ongoing exhibit through September 10)

May 13-14           Mother’s Day Weekend

May 24                 Zoopolis 500

May 27                 Magnificent Macaws (May 27 through September 13)

How do you like to relax?

The Chiropractic and Wellness Center is here to help you with stress management. 

Schedule your appointment for a massage, chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, or nutritional consultation today by calling either of our offices at (317) 580-9867 (Indianapolis) or (317) 826-9751 (McCordsville), or message us here!