We all know that stress has negative effects on our bones and overall health. And we usually try to reduce it using mental strategies such as positive visualization.
But, actually, reducing stress through physical techniques is a more helpful and practical approach.
Today, you’ll learn some techniques from our guest, Chantal Donnelly, a physical therapist and author who will teach you how to reduce your muscle tension and, consequently, your stress levels.
Chantal explains how chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can negatively impact bone density over time. She discusses emerging research suggesting bones may even play a role in regulating stress responses in the body.
We discuss how forward head posture, slouching, and chest breathing from stress can strain the neck muscles and compress the ribcage, making it difficult to breathe deeply.
Chronic muscle tension is linked to increased stress levels and risk of neck pain. But you’ll learn to reduce that tension in only 30 seconds daily.
Listen in to learn easy ways to soothe stress-induced muscle tension and naturally relax your way to stronger, healthier bones!
“If you have a home alarm system, and a squirrel runs across your roof, and that sets off the alarm, and the fire department shows up, you’ve got a problem with your alarm system, not with a fire. And that’s a lot like what chronic pain and chronic stress, both, are.” – Chantal Donnelly
In this episode:
[00:00] – Welcome to another episode of Happy Bones, Happy Life
[01:57] – Chantal Donnelly’s backstory
[05:31] – The correlation between chronic stress and chronic pain
[08:38] – Why is neck pain so related to stress?
[14:49] – Behaviors and tendencies that may cause neck pain
[18:58] – Why does stress have such negative effects on the bones?
[24:21] – How to find out if you are overexercising
[27:22] – Effective techniques for reducing neck tension
[37:49] – Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World
[41:51] – Work with Chantal Donnelly
Resources mentioned
Chantal’s book – Settled: How to Find Calm in a Stress-Inducing World
My Improve Your Bone Health Naturally Mini-Class
Connect with Chantal Donnelly
More about Margie
DISCLAIMER – The information presented on this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with your physician or healthcare provider. The ideas shared on this podcast are the expressed opinions of the guests and do not always reflect those of Margie Bissinger and Happy Bones, Happy Life Podcast.
*In compliance with the FTC guidelines, please assume the following about links on this site: Some of the links going to products are affiliate links of which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you (sometimes, I even get to share a unique discount with you). If I post an affiliate link to a product, it is something that I personally use, support and would recommend. I personally vet each and every product. My first priority is providing valuable information and resources to help you create positive changes in your health and bring more happiness into your life. I will only ever link to products or resources (affiliate or otherwise) that fit within this purpose.