There are a few things I am doing to deal with stress and anxiety on a physical, mental, and spiritual level that are helping me cope with the global pandemic.
Daily affirmations, Meditation and Prayer
In support of the cliché “mind over matter”, I am a firm believer in that a single thought elicits a series of physiological responses.
Positive thoughts strengthen our physical body and negative thoughts weaken it. Worldwide positive thoughts are imperative at this time for a shift in consciousness to occur.
Meditation, positive affirmations and prayer can assist us in doing so. The science of hypnotherapy teaches us “that which I focus I strengthen”. If we direct our thoughts toward fear, fear will prevail, in the same way that if we direct our thoughts on strength and immunity, health and wellbeing will overcome.
Meditation has been scientifically proven to change the brain in a positive way.
For example, simple breath work in the morning helps calm the nervous system and clears unwanted thoughts from the mind. Deep cleansing breaths can be done in bed or when you wake in a relaxed position. You can turn your attention toward your physical and mental state and make a positive intention for the day. This can be followed by positive mental affirmations such as “I am strong, healthy and feeling great” or “I have confidence in my body’s ability to heal.” Even if you don’t feel this way you can train your brain or “fake it until you make it.” We’ve seen this method’s proven success in athletes who use visualization and positive thought for training in their sport and we’ve seen it in patients who have cured themselves of life threatening diseases. Scientific evidence supports that mental thoughts send a cascade of endocrine responses throughout our bodies. Positive thoughts stimulate the opiate like chemistry in the brain, which build up immunity, negative thoughts stimulate the release of stress hormone and adrenaline, which break down immunity. Changing our daily thoughts from fear to confidence can have a collective effect on our personal and worldwide health.
Food as Medicine
Now more than ever we have to look at food as medicine, so physically I have been focused on therapeutic foods.
Food has been our original medicine since the beginning of time.
Implementing therapeutic nutrition at this point is what will build a weak immune system and keep an already healthy immune system working efficiently. Therapeutic foods are whole foods that come from the ground or that haven’t been refined or packaged. Examples are fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, herbs and spices. Making dishes that combine whole foods with herbs and spices are like a natural immunization. Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine practices have followed specific food and herb guidelines for treating illness and disease for centuries with positive outcome. Drinking clear fluids like water and herbal teas and limiting alcohol consumption can help keep the organs functioning at top levels. Alcohol in moderation can be helpful, relax the system and the mind, but in excess can weaken the immune system; dehydrate you making you more prone to the virus. (Recipes and benefit of eating healthy meals can be found here)
Aromatherapy
Other physical daily habits like aromatherapy can help. Essential oils such as Tulsi, Lavender and Eucalyptus have therapeutic properties and although the FDA has not approved their healing claims, published scientific studies have shown their positive physiological effects. Aromatherapy inhalation directly effects the olfactory nerve, stimulates the hypothalamus, which is the control center for our endocrine, or hormonal system, as well as effects our autonomic nervous system, and our brain stem (motor system and musculoskeletal movement). The quality of the air and aromas we breathe cannot be denied as a means of directly affecting our health. A diffuser with these following oils can help:
Tulsi : Increases vital lung capacity and reduce labored breathing, it has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Lavender: A relaxant, calms the nervous system, strengthens immune system and speeds the healing process.
Eucalyptus: Reduces congestion, increases respiratory functions, in the U.S. and abroad it has been used as an expectorant component in cold and cough medicines. It can be used as aromatherapy, in lozenges and in vapor baths.
Daily Routine
Finally, daily routines play a role in helping us build a healthy immune system.
For example some of the things I do are: getting the right amount of sleep, waking up at the same time and clearing the system with 8 oz of water. Overnight we lose fluids due to metabolism, replenishing them in the morning promotes healthy organ function. Tongue scraping removes toxins from the tongue. Gargling washes away bacteria from the back of the throat. Oiling the nasal passages and ears with sesame or almond oil protects the membranes and establishes a barrier to viruses and bacteria. Hot bathes and showers, followed by oiling the body nourishes and protects the skin. Think of the oil as an armor of protection against outside pathogens. Receiving therapeutic massage weekly can increase your circulation and promote relaxation. Incorporating salt soaks daily allow your body to cleanse acids and metabolic waste products from your system. Finally, engaging in exercise and therapeutic yoga poses increase muscular strength. Above all fresh air is the most important. Allowing your body to be exposed to the elements of nature has endless vascular and neurological benefits and has been nature’s way of building up our species strength for lifetimes. Just think of the revitalizing affects the wind, sun and water has when it hits the skin. It’s time to realize the healing power within our bodies, in food and in nature.
This post was written by JoAnne Pavin who is a Wellness Consultant with over 25 years of experience in the areas of exercise, nutrition, massage, yoga and eastern medicine. She is a certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (Traditional Indian Medicine), Certified Aroma therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist, Registered Yoga Instructor and Weight Management Consultant. She currently writes and publishes a quarterly publication, The Meal, which conveys the numerous benefits of the meal beyond food. For more information go to.
