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: - Why mental strategies aren’t effective for releasing stress - The correlation between chronic stress and chronic pain - Why is neck pain so related to stress? - Why does stress have such negative effects on the bones? - How to find out if you are overexercising - Effective techniques for reducing neck tension   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   - Website - Instagram  - Facebook    More about Margie - Website  - Facebook  - Instagram    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.