GO GET SUMMER!
“While other professions are concerned with changing the environment to suit the weakened body, chiropractic is concerned with strengthening the body to suit the environment.”
— B. J. Palmer
Summer brings longer days, warmer temperatures, and often a busier pace of life. What other time of year are we up with a smoothie at 5 AM, go all day and then make popcorn at 10:30 PM? While we eagerly anticipate the activities, travel, and events, the season also places demands on the body. The most important response is to continue to strengthen the body to meet those demands.
A remarkable feature of the human body is its adaptability or resilience to the stresses of life. In fact, the key to maintaining any form of life is the ability to adapt to its surroundings! The nervous system constantly monitors our internal and external environment so we can respond to changing conditions. During the summer, factors such as increased heat and light, new sleep schedules and more physical activity influence how the body functions. The nervous system helps coordinate responses to these stressors by regulating heart rate, temperature, energy input/output needs and recovery.
When a healthy nervous system is exposed to change and challenges, it learns to respond more efficiently. Spending time outdoors in gradually warmer temps helps the body become better at managing heat. Similarly, foundational habits like regular physical activity, consistent sleep habits, hydration and balanced nutrition support resilience to help the nervous system effectively handle daily stress. Regular chiropractic care is also proven to increase nerve system resilience (HRV scores) by removing interference or “static” in the signals between the brain and all the body functions it coordinates. (1) A fully functioning nervous system will have the highest adaptive capacity or “reserve,” allowing us to remain responsive, shifting smoothly between activity and recovery rather than becoming overwhelmed. Without hangups, the body maintains balance despite the demands around it.
As summer unfolds, it is important to remember that stress is not always negative. In manageable amounts, it challenges the body to grow stronger and more adaptable! By supporting nervous system resilience through lifestyle and chiropractic care, we rise to the seasonal opportunities and demands, enjoying all that summer has to offer while maintaining overall wellness. So GET CHECKED and go get summer!!
Reference:
1. Haas, A. L., & Russell, D. (2017). Sustained improvement of heart rate variability in patients undergoing a program of chiropractic care: A retrospective case series. Chiropractic Journal of Australia (Online), 45(4), 338–358. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.903674805022098
