In this hectic 24/7 always switched-on world that we live in, stress is often seen as the price that must be paid until we inevitably gain fame and fortune "later"!

The good news is that stress doesn't have to be a bad thing as long as we understand the causes and, more importantly, how to manage it.

This episode is a deep dive into the topic of stress, covering its dual nature as both a necessary and potentially harmful part of everyday life.

The hosts, Bob Allen, an osteopath since 2011, and Claire Elsby, a therapy coach, dissect the origins of stress and its manifestations within your body.

Stress can be a catalyst for action, as a physiological response that prepares you to face whatever challenges come your way. Bob covers how stress can enhance your performance, drawing parallels to evolutionary responses where it could help ensure your survival against predators. The aim is to show that stress is not all bad and how it can serve beneficial purposes when it remains within controllable limits.

Having said that, the conversation also looks at the darker side of stress, particularly chronic stress, which can happen with prolonged exposure to demanding situations. We highlight the physiological implications of chronic stress, looking at how it can lead to various health issues, including tension-related disorders like headaches, neck and shoulder issues and gastrointestinal disturbances.

Bob outlines the workings of the central and autonomic nervous systems, explaining the roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems in regulating bodily responses to stressors. This discussion emphasises the significance of maintaining a balance between these systems to support both your physical and mental well-being.

Claire suggests a variety of techniques that can be easily be incorporated into your daily life with practical strategies to help manage your stress levels. They include simple things like breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and somatic therapies, all of which can help you regain control over your physiological and psychological responses to stress.

Our aim is always to provide you with the knowledge and techniques that empower you to proactively move towards a pain-free and balanced life.

Takeaways:

• Stress can be both a beneficial and detrimental force in our lives, depending on its duration and intensity.
• The nervous system plays a crucial role in how stress manifests physically and mentally.
• Chronic stress can lead to various physical symptoms, including tension headaches and gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is essential for effective stress management and overall well-being.
• Breathing techniques and mindfulness practices can significantly aid in managing stress and promoting relaxation.

Links referenced in this episode:

Grounding techniques - https://youtu.be/1ao4xdDK9iE?si=DskqrhS8TSKoSVY6

The butterfly hug - https://youtu.be/iGGJrqscvtU?si=Lse2G7iFPKbAYaJp

Box breathing - https://youtu.be/tEmt1Znux58?si=2dQYRUCcoAT-CWTt

Tapping - https://youtu.be/TnbRcO43CD8?si=mI9XGG7itcLvcQwF

A bit more info

You can find out more about Clare here https://www.clareelsby.com/

This is the place to find out more about Bob and why he became an osteopath https://bit.ly/BobsOsteoStory

Sign up for his very popular Monthly Pain Free Living newsletter here https://bit.ly/PFL_newsletter_signup

If you want to follow Bob on social media, this is the place for you https://linktr.ee/Painfreeliving