Exercise to Reduce Stress

Chiropractic is all about using the link between the neural system and the rest of the body to improve overall health. This not only means adjustments, it means keeping the body in good shape to maintain a healthy mind. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, but it wasn’t always clear what the benefit of this is. Now, scientists are finding evidence that it improves memory and focus.

As people exercise, they stimulate the growth of new neural connections, combatting the effects of dementia and increasing the size of the hippocampus. (This is a crucial difference between increased blood flow due to exercise as opposed to the hormone-driven blood flow caused by chronic stress.) Exercise also boosts the chemicals associated with happiness and contentment while flushing out the ones associated with anxiety. Aerobic exercise has so far been found to be the most promising for improving health and prolonging life. People who practice mindfulness often use walking as a form of meditation.

Exercising on a regular basis is more beneficial than occasionally working out to the point of exhaustion. People who work in offices should use their breaks as a chance to loosen up their muscles (and take the strain off their backs). Ideally, people should exercise for at least one hundred and fifty minutes a week. That may sound like a lot, but it’s really only a little over twenty minutes every day.

Dr. Kent Carlomagno operates Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center at 710 C Street, Suite #12, San Rafael, California, 94901. To schedule an appointment, call 415-721-7520 or visit SummitChiro.net and fill out a contact sheet.