THE EFFECTS OF STRESS ON IMMUNITY
The body’s stress response and immune system are closely linked. When you experience a stressful situation, your body increases cortisol levels, so you’re prepared to fight off whatever threat lies ahead. Even when there’s no real danger, your body gets physically prepared to deal with stress. The consequences of stress are very physical, as well—namely how it affects the immune system.
Heightened cortisol levels suppress the immune system and make it difficult to fight off infections. Stress can inhibit inflammatory responses and lower your white blood cell count. Once you become infected, stress can even increase the rate at which the virus spreads to other cells in the body. All that’s to say, if you’re stressed a lot, you’re more likely to get sick.
Tips for Stress Relief in Your Daily Life:
Avoiding stress altogether isn’t realistic. Instead, learn to manage stress in a healthy way so that your immune system can flourish.
Here are a few simple suggestions:
1. Change your approach to stress: find a quiet place to relax, take deep breaths and meditate for a few minutes. Observe your thoughts and emotions free of judgment.
2. Focus on what’s within your control: the fact that we can’t control the situation might even trigger more stress! Rather than trying to control things you can’t, focus on what you can control—your thoughts, your reactions and what you do moving forward. Mastering control over yourself will empower you to take stressful situations in stride.
3. Carve out time for yourself: self-care often falls by the wayside. Daily calming rituals will help you maintain your composure when stressors stand in the way. After work, get in some mild exercise like a sunset walk or quick yoga session, have a facial or get a massage.
4. "Supplementing" is the new normal because we can't always get what we need from food alone. Add a supplement that the body needs to help support a healthy immune system and stronger defense against stress (an immune suppressor). The formulation should contain powerful vitamins, organic antioxidants, and adaptogens (help ward off stress) for immune support and to promote optimal defense levels. This level of caring for the body should become a daily lifestyle habit to protect your body from anything that can possibly weaken its natural defenses.
Contact Spa Matrix today to order ShieldUp ($40) or visit the SHOP now to order online.
