Developing new habits requires a lot of energy. And because energy is an exhaustible resource, the brain was designed to conserve it. Trying and failing to develop new, healthier habits is stressful, but it doesn’t need to be.

Anyone can call themselves a health coach, and many different certifications exist. A National Board Certified Health Coach is prepared to assist clients with change to achieve wellness goals, whether the diagnosis requires it, the doctor suggests it, or the client wants to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

Have you noticed that illness interrupts life at the most inconvenient times, like when you are at your busiest, right before a big event, or while navigating a challenging situation or circumstance?

Exposure to chronic stressors can negatively impact your health, quicken age-related diseases, impair immunity, and increase the risk for depression. Health factors can correlate to stressors. When chronically stressed, the body reserves its resources to combat the stressor. The problem is that the body does not distinguish between a physical threat to your life and exhaustion, emotional stress, and repercussions from traumatic events. 

Pain can be a stress reaction caused by muscle tension that perpetuates when the muscle should be resting. Often, a person is unaware of muscle tension. Stress-induced muscle tension in the head, neck, or shoulders can result in tension headaches. A lack of awareness can make it challenging to tackle tension-induced pain. To further exacerbate the problem, even a low level of chronic pain can increase stress, resulting in increased muscle tension. 

What is the connection between stress and music? In his book, Strong Experiences with Music: Music is much more than just music, Gabrielson (2011) suggested that music impacts all psychological experiences. During psychological stress, it is possible to develop an appreciation for music that was not previously compelling (Gabrielson, 2011). An acute response to music can set into motion psychophysiological changes. And it can be a powerful tool to remedy distress.