Stressed Out, Worn Out Dads

Welcome, dads! There is no doubt a lot of hustle and grind of being a busy dad. So, I want to talk about the common tendency to accept poor health as just a part of being a dad. It’s not. We need to take care of ourselves so we can set a good example for our kids.

It’s easy to make jokes and accept the “dad bod” and all the health challenges that come with it. But ignoring these issues and relying on prescription drugs to treat them is not the answer.  

We want to break the cycle of accepting poor health as normal because you’re stressed and worn out. 

We know that our kids don’t always listen to what we say, but they definitely emulate our actions and habits. The truth is, if we don’t prioritize our health, we’re setting a bad example for them. When it comes to our health, our kids can either follow our bad habits or learn from our good ones. We want to help you set a good example for your family by taking care of yourself. That’s why Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is so important.

 

The Ripple Effect

I know some of you may be skeptical of chiropractic care, but I can assure you that it is backed up by science and clinical experience. Chances are you’re feeling burnt out, in pain, and exhausted all the time. You know what you should be doing to take care of yourself, but you just can’t seem to find the energy to do it. 

I don’t need to come in and try to be a mindset coach, nutritionist or exercise coach. But I do need to be real with you. The truth is, when we’re stressed and exhausted, our brain shifts into protective mode, making it difficult to make good decisions for our health.

In today’s fast-paced world, our nervous system is often caught in a loop of anxiety and ADHD. Our brain, as the master controller of our body, determines our ability to make sound decisions and take action. However, when we lack the energy to exercise or engage in healthy activities, our brains tend to opt for instant gratification like indulging in sugary treats and lounging on the couch. This can create a Perfect Storm for dads who find themselves increasingly burdened by their health.

As dads, we often get buried under the weight of our responsibilities and neglect our own health in the process. But the good news is that getting healthy is actually much simpler for men than it is for the amazing people that really run our lives, moms. By taking things in the right order and doing things in the right sequence, you can get healthy way easier than you think.

When dads prioritize their health, it has a ripple effect on the entire family. Studies show that when dads are active, fit, and healthy, it changes everything for the family. Your children will see the importance of taking care of their health and follow your lead.

 

The Role of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic

So, where do you start? The first step is actually getting adjusted. I know what you might be thinking, “Of course you’re going to say that, you’re a chiropractor!” But let me explain the science behind it by explaining a dad scan to you.

Before we begin chiropractic care with any of our patients, including dads, we start by getting a baseline test called an INSiGHT scan. This measures the health of your nervous system and gives us an exact blueprint as to why you may be experiencing constant pain or exhaustion. It’s like a cheat code to get you healthy.

 

The EMG Scan

I want to dive into a recent dad scan from our practice. There are three main things to notice. The first is the colors on the EMG, which measures neuromuscular tension or physical tension and exhaustion. The first thing you’ll see is that nearly all dads have way too much tension stuck in their neck, shoulders, and low back. This is why they often complain of neck pain, headaches at the base of their skull, or low back issues.

Problem number two on the EMG scan is the yellow, which is the opposite of red, and means weak core. If you’re like most dads today, you probably have a desk job that keeps you sitting for hours on end. This sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on your nervous system, particularly in the mid-thoracic area. This area of the spine is where your adrenals are located – the stress and protective glands of your body.

Dads are actually designed by God to be in charge of protection, so by nature are supposed to have extra energy. They’re supposed to have this extra drive, fortitude, neuromuscular, get after it and handle stuff for their family.

But when your nervous system becomes exhausted in this area, it can lead to adrenal exhaustion, leaving you feeling burnt out. Your neuromuscular system plays a crucial role in your ability to exercise effectively. If your nervous system is stressed out and worn out, as is often the case for busy dads, you’re going to have a hard time finding the energy, flexibility, and mobility you need to work out safely and consistently. In fact, pushing yourself too hard in this state can lead to injury and setbacks.

That’s where chiropractic care comes in. 

By focusing on the health of your nervous system, chiropractors can help you lay a strong foundation for better fitness, nutrition, and mental health. 

During the first 30 to 90 days of chiropractic care, your chiropractor will work to make adjustments that reduce tension, activate your core, and energize your nervous system. 

All you need to do is show up for your appointments and let them do the rest. Chiropractic care is the ultimate health hack for dads because it takes the pressure off of you to do everything on your own. 

 

The HRV Scan

The second scan we look at is the HRV scan. The little white dot on the scan represents the dad’s stress level, and as you move towards the lower left, it indicates increasing levels of stress and exhaustion. This constant tension in the shoulders, low back, core, and adrenals can cause exhaustion throughout the body and nervous system. While exercise, supplements, and diet can help alleviate some symptoms, chiropractic care is the only solution that addresses the root cause of stress.

My goal is to let you know that there is a way out of the vicious cycle of stress, exhaustion, and feeling like crap. Getting healthy and active is possible with chiropractic care, which is a part of the family health system. It is the most effective solution for dads who want to regain their energy and get healthy.

 

Give Us a Call – Today! 

If you’re not sure where to start, begin by giving us a call to set up your baseline scan. If you aren’t local to us, find a PX doctor’s office near you that uses similar technology. Many dads make two mistakes when it comes to their health. They either don’t start at all or try to take on everything at once. 

At our office, we’ll work with you to create a customized plan based on your scan and consultation to get you healthy step by step. The first step is getting your energy or mojo back through chiropractic care. 

We believe that every dad deserves to feel healthy, vibrant, and full of energy. By simply getting connected, receiving a consultation, and getting a scan, you can begin to transform your health and become the energetic dad that you’ve always wanted to be.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and feel exhausted all the time. But you don’t have to be that dad anymore. You can take charge of your health and create a better future for yourself and your family. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

So, dads, let’s get after it and prioritize our health this summer. Together, we can create a healthier and happier future for ourselves and our families.

 

Author: Tony Ebel DC, CACCP, CCWP