Fear triggers our fight flight freeze mechanism and puts the body in a state of red alert.  Designed to keep us alive and get us out of immediate physical danger, this automatic response serves us well if we use up the stress hormones of adrenalin, cortisol etc in physical activity (running away, fighting the enemy). 

 

Continuous fear though is not good for the body or the spirit: it inhibits us from accessing the rational and resourceful part of our brain, and the build-up of unused stress hormones upsets the balance of our metabolism, leading to physical dis-ease and a compromised immune system.

 

The initial measures of lockdown at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic gave us  some wonderful realisations: outpourings of love, support and concern for fellow humans; time to spend with loved ones (if we were lucky enough to be living with them) and reflect on what is really important in life; nature and the planet restoring itself with less pollution.  We are social animals however, and over a prolonged period of time the lack of human connection, especially touch, is depriving us of opportunities to create the positive feel good hormones of oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin.

 

So as an antidote to fear, and to build your own immune system and stay naturally healthy, here are 10 tips to help yourself in these strange times:

  1. Switch off from the daily overwhelm of news and statistics – they are feeding your fears
  2. Breathe fully, calmly and deeply
  3. Move your body – walking, running, cycling, exercising, dancing, skipping – whatever makes you feel good
  4. Go outside into nature and really see the beauty around you, hear the last few leaves rustling in the trees, smell the earthiness of autumn, feel the sun (or wind, or rain) on your skin
  5. Laugh as often as you can
  6. Eat nourishing foods prepared with love
  7. Include vitamins D (also generated by sunshine) and C and the mineral zinc in your diet
  8. Spend some time every day being grateful for something
  9. Carry out a random act of kindness for somebody else
  10. Always remember that ‘this too will pass’

Keep your spirits up, your vibrations high, and stay well!

 

Please share your own tips that could help others, and do contact me if you would like more information on any of the above.

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