It’s not easy dealing with the process of a divorce, and it’s certainly not any easier when dealing with the aftermath.
Many find themselves asking the question, “Now what”? The stress is at an all time high and anxiety is never a stranger when one is going through the divorce process.
Some talk to counselors afterward and some people shut down, and then there are some that turn to not-so-effective and temporary measures, like drinking alcohol, overeating, and in some cases, ongoing usage of medication.
You may be wondering, “What’s an effective and safe way to handle the stress that I’m facing?” Thankfully, there is an answer: massage therapy.
Chiropractic Massage Therapy after Divorce
What is Massage Therapy?
Therapy comes in many different forms, and people go to therapy for many different reasons. After a divorce, it’s normal and common to deal with depression, anxiety disorders, and even eating disorders. Those can all be tended to through a consistent form of therapy.
Divorce triggers the human body in ways that one doesn’t always experience on a daily basis. There is a different level of anger that arises, with increased levels of panic in some and mental breakdowns that can occur due to the new level of stress.
Massage therapy is a form of alternative medicine and can be opted in versus the use of medication, and/or other available options. Chiropractic massage therapists don’t just specialize in doing a number of benefits to the body, but they are also trained in benefiting the mind while performing massages.
Massage therapy doesn’t require your doctor to prescribe it, and you can check into it all by yourself.
How can a massage help me after divorce?
Massages don’t always sound therapeutic, but they are said to have a very good effect on those coming out of a divorce.
It’s seen as a form of effective therapy for many, and visiting your local chiropractor will supply you with any further information you may want or need, before making a decision. If you choose massage therapy as an option, try to opt for going at least once, maybe twice a week, or a couple of times a month.
That number can increase or decrease based on your level of stress and/or availability.
Not only is massage therapy a great way of reducing your stress levels, there are also many different types of massages, and one may benefit you more than the next.
Some of those different types include:
- Hot stone
- Thai
- Aromatherapy
- Swedish
- Deep Tissue
A deep tissue massage may benefit you if you’re experiencing a lot of tension due to the stress you’re trying to manage. If you aren’t super sensitive to a lot of pressure, then this may be a good option for you.
Something on the lighter and milder side of massages would be the Swedish massage option. This option will benefit you if you just want a simple massage to help you relax. It doesn’t include much pressure and isn’t as intense as the deep tissue massages. Regardless of what you choose, all massages are beneficial.
Studies have confirmed that massages positively affect the brain and not just the body. Stress and emotions can be regulated when one gets a massage. The pressure being put on the body is said to trigger those particular areas of the brain that manage the emotions and stress levels.
How do I know if I’m stressed out?
Stress is something every human deals with, whether in mild forms or at more severe levels.
For some, it’s easy to know if stress has overtaken one’s life, and for others it’s not always as easy to recognize.
Some symptoms of stress are rather obvious, and some are not so obvious.
According to WebMD a few of those signs include:
- Upset stomach
- Headaches
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Frequent sickness
- Chest pain
- Low or lack of energy
- Loss of sex drive
After a divorce, life still goes on. Children still have to be catered to, jobs must still be performed and it’s healthy to obviously continue eating and drinking in a way so that the body is kept nourished.
Stress is a leading factor leading one into a state of depression. The stress begins to take over and lead you to feel as if life is simply too much, and unbearable, and that’s when the depression finds a way to creep in and settle.
Be sure to let your doctor or someone you trust know if you begin to experience a lack of eating, a lack of taking in the proper fluids, find yourself unable to care for your children, or experience any chest pain that’s constant and doesn’t seem to be subsiding and/or lessening. Extreme levels of depression need to be tended to before they take over in any type of destructive way.
A massage a week is one sure way to help cut down on the high levels of stress that your life may bring upon you after a divorce. A lot of the stress comes from the weight that is left upon the shoulders of one when it’s all said and done.
Plus, there’s always the stress that’s still there because of all the divorce entailed, all the emotional turmoil, feelings of regret, resentment, confusion, etc. Be sure you take care of yourself and don’t get lost in the pain.
Why do I need to decrease my level of stress?
You’ve heard it before that stress can kill you, and that isn’t just a saying, but it’s true.
Stress leads to higher levels of the stress hormone in our bodies, and that then causes other levels of dysfunction to happen throughout the body. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone within the body, and when it increases beyond the normal level, it can cause heart attacks, high blood pressure and can even affect your memory and certain aspects of the brain.
According to LiveScience, a combination of depression and stress takes an even greater toll on the body. It’s also said that those factors on top of one already having heart problems makes it even more of a risk.
After divorce, it’s common to deal with both measures, depression and anxiety, which is why it’s important to get help.
It’s not anything to be ashamed of when needing help after such a traumatic event has taken place.
5 simple ways to help decrease stress
There are many ways to help reduce stress. Here are a few ways that you can keep in mind during this time, to be sure you don’t add to the stress you’re already experiencing:
- Learn to manage your time
- Strive to get adequate sleep
- Exercise
- Avoid alcohol
- See a counselor
It’s not always easy to open up to someone, especially after such a traumatic event has taken place. However, talking to someone can help you keep your perspective where it needs to be, help you understand what you’re feeling and why, and it can help you with the load you’re already carrying.
Talking with someone helps to lessen the load, especially when they don’t know you. There is no added pressure when they don’t know you, and you don’t feel you have to hide as much. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone.
Exercise is also a great way to positively affect your mind, your energy levels, your sleep at night, and productivity due to the level of energy rising.
Get outside and take a walk after your massage and journal the effects. You deserve to be stress free!
Dr. Anthony Odney, D.C. is a graduate of Southern California University of Health Science where he earned his doctorate of chiropractic. In addition, he has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and kinesiology. Originally from Norway, Dr. Odney became a chiropractor because of his belief that the human body is a marvelous machine that can be “fixed” by chiropractic care. At Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab, he continues to use a scientific-based chiropractic approach to help patients resolve their medical conditions.
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