5 Signs Your Body is Telling You to S-L-O-W Down

Last week, I was in a rush at work because some patients came early, others were late and showed up without calling and I was trying to juggle too many things at once.  I felt like I was running around everywhere, and I was. 

All of a sudden, in my haste, my dress got caught at the corner of one of my tables and I scraped and bruised my knee.  Ouch!  The pain stopped me right in my tracks.  I paused, took a breath and instead of worrying about catching up, my attention was shifted to tending to my wound.  I had been in such a rush in my mind and now, I was brought back into the present by my body.

I took this injury as a sign from my body to S-L-O-W Down.

So, other than injuring yourself, what are some ways your body is telling your to slow down?

• Getting sick.  If you’re overworking your body and you’re not getting enough rest, you could end up getting a cold or cough.  Stress affects the immune system, causing it to decrease its function which can lead to illness.
  
  
• Sleep is irregular.  If you find yourself thinking too much at night or tossing and turning, this could indicate stress.  Waking up multiple times at night and waking up not feeling fully rested are also indicators.  You body is on alert even when you are trying to sleep.  It wakes you up because your fight or flight system thinks you’re going to get attacked in some way.  
  
  
• Tightness in your chest.  Stress can cause anxiety and for some people a tightening in your chest or even your abdomen area.  Note that sudden chest tightness, numbness and tingling down your arm, etc can also be a sign of stroke which could be the result of long term stress.
  
  
• Moody.  Stress can be emotional in nature and can cause depression and changing of moods.  If you notice these secondary conditions, remember that you may have neuro abnormality caused by stress.  
  
  
• Weight loss or gain.  Some people eat more when they are under stress and can end up gaining more weight.  Others, stop eating and lose weight.  Keep an eye on any excessive weight gain or loss.

If your body is telling you to rest, listen!  If you notice any of these secondary conditions, let me know at your next visit and we can teach your body some new strategies.  Listen to your body!