The summer is over and once again you find yourself asking that timeless question, “How is it already fall?”
While it may seem that fall should be a relaxing getaway from the summer heat, it can be one of the most stressful times of the year for families in Atlanta.
Sending the kids back-to-school can create stress that’s able to build up, and, over time can lead to not only physical pain but also negatively affect your emotional well-being.
Atlanta Chiropractic Support for Back-to-School Season
Whether you’re headed back to school or back to the office after a well-deserved vacation, it’s important to see your Atlanta Chiropractor about resolving three distinct types of stress that can have a significant impact on you and your children’s overall wellness, if left untreated.
Through various techniques, your Chiropractor in Atlanta can help relieve physical, chemical, and emotional stress.
Physical Stress: The Weight of Your Children’s Backpacks
The most common physical stress related to the back-to-school season is the backpack dilemma!
This also includes the large handbags, purses and computer bags you haul back and forth to work.
A good rule of thumb is to keep the weight of the bag no more than 15% of your children’s weight. Anything heavier can lead to severe back, neck and shoulder pain in addition to headaches and other spinal discomforts.
If your kids are having trouble lightening their backpacks, assess what they need to bring with them on a daily basis. Or try dividing their cargo into separate bags to distribute the weight evenly.
You may even want to consider a rolling bag to take the weight off their spine completely.
Chemical Stress: Think Light
How you fuel your body directly influences your effectiveness and productivity throughout the work or school day.
The office candy bowl and vending machines full of sugar-laden and processed snacks may seem tempting, but that’s not what your body needs!
Try reaching for snacks that include protein and complex carbohydrates.
Protein also keeps you fuller longer, and complex carbs will give you a boost of energy.
Small, simple items like hard-boiled eggs, celery, and peanut butter, or a small bag of grapes are easy to carry with you and provide the type of nutrients that will keep you feeling energized and healthy.
Emotional Stress: Your Body Needs Sleep
Insufficient sleep can take a substantial toll on work productivity.
Research shows that sleeping less than six hours each night can have physical and emotional ramifications.
Not only is a lack of sleep linked to heart disease and diabetes it also leads to poor work performance, relationship problems and mood disorders such as anger and depression.
Sleep is just as important to your overall health as diet and exercise. When you get enough good quality sleep you’ll find you’re more alert and effective throughout your workday.
Here are a few tips get your best night’s sleep:
- Avoid caffeine four to six hours before bed
- Keep a regular exercise routine
- Minimize noise, light and excessive temperatures
- Develop a routine by getting into bed at a certain time each night