Stress Can Make You Sicker Than Covid19

We all know that stress can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. When you feel stress, your body reacts with your primal “fight or flight” response. This ancient stress response releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin, designed to prepare you for reacting to a threat like running away from a dangerous animal or fighting off an enemy. Today the threats are not the same as our ancestors, however the stress response is still very real. In these uncertain times there are financial pressures from losing a job, social isolation, uncertainty of the future, and stress in the workplace for all those who are on the frontlines fighting this disease.
 
Stress can cause your blood sugar to rise, suppresses your immune system, accelerate your breathing, and reduce the supply of blood to digestive organs. Researchers have discovered stress leads to inflammation and a much higher risk of developing health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, migraines, depression and anxiety, diabetes, obesity, and memory loss.
 
As this pandemic continues to grow, so do the stress triggers all around us. The best way I’ve found to deal with stress is through meditation. Meditation is a wonderful tool that in conjunction with following the CDCs guidelines, can help you reduce stress during these uncertain times. Personally, I have decided to stay home and have established a routine that includes: a morning and evening meditation session, doing some yoga, working on some home projects, walking, and lots of reading. I limit watching news programs to no more than one half hour a day.
 
My main focus is my meditation practice. My first session starts shortly after I arise and before any disruptions: for example, I don’t even look at my cell phone until after meditation. In meditation your mind goes from activity to silence. In this state, your body experiences many healing effects that oppose the “fight or flight” response including: decreasing heart rate, normalizing blood pressure, deeper breathing, and a reduction of the stress hormones including cortisol and adrenaline. Your immunity is strengthened, your body uses oxygen more efficiently, and there is a decrease in inflammation.
 
In my next blog I will explain my method of meditation, but in the meantime I highly recommend that you get online with the Chopra Center; they are hosting 21 day free guided meditations. https://chopracentermeditation.com/experience.
 
If you would like to learn more about what I’m doing please visit my web site www.islandmeditations.com.If you’re looking for a good read click on my book list. I recommend two of Deepak’s books to start with “7 spiritual Laws” and “The healing self”. For your convenience, just click on a book title and it will take you to Amazon to order a copy.
 
Namaste