While it is sensible to take reasonable precautions during any influenza outbreak, pandemic or not, anxiety and fear that causes you stress can affect your immune system.
There is plenty of scientific studies and evidence that show how high stress, no matter the specific cause, will put us into fight-or-flight. If you have something/somebody to fight or flee from, then okay, having more resources go to muscles and breathing and less to the rest-and-repair system is probably a good thing.
"However, when stressors and 'feeling under attack' remain constant, the fight-or-flight reaction stays turned on, over-exposing the body to cortisol and other stress hormones. The cells of the immune system (and other body systems) are unable to respond normally and produce levels of inflammation which increase the risk of further health issues.[1]"
So, just when we need it the most, our immune system is getting knocked down by the constant barrage of new and unanticipated scenarios in so many aspects of our lives.
How does fear show up in our lives?
Our responses to fear manifest as ESCAPE, AGGRESIVENESS, SHUT DOWN, and CONTROL
We often have these fear-based behaviors without even realizing it. Look closely at the behaviors and reactions in your daily life.
· Escape: When do you want to avoid something/somebody or “I don’t want to deal with it”.
· Aggression: Which situations make you feel angry, frustrated, snappy or punch a wall? It can also be a passive aggressive action like back-handed compliments, blaming others or playing the victim.
· Shut down: What situations hold you back or restrains you from doing or thinking something. “I want to do something, but something INSIDE OF ME stops me”, “I don’t dare”, “I am feeling overwhelmed”. When do you feel stuck or held back in relationships, money, career, etc?
· Control: “In which situations do you become overbearing, try to control yourself or be bossy to someone else?” Is there a routine or activity that is necessary in order to relax, like wine, meditations, a spa visit, yoga, a walk, the gym?
All of these behaviors have underlaying fears.
With Emotional Resolution™, EmRes™, we can access our body’s innate capacity to resolve these brusing emotions. By removing the fear/stressful emotion permanently, your mind, body and immune system are re-balanced with your current reality.
Alternatives?
Otherwise you can practice popular coping skills to set aside the emotion for a time. Here are some commonly used methods.
· Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
· Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
· Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
· Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
· Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
· Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
· Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
· Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
· Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
· Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.[2]
The is nothing particularly wrong with these coping mechanisms. But they are a temporary fix. They help us set the emotion aside, tamp down the fire, or difuse the moment. But the next time a fear trigger is presented, the emotion will return to torment us and depress our immune systems.
We all need to stay as healthy as possible.
The best suggestion, is to remove your excess fear and anxiety using Emotional Resolution™.
Are you ready to get rid of the fear?
Be fearless, but not foolish.
Reference
1. Why stress is the enemy of your immune system
2. Tips
About Sue
Sue Siebens is an intuitive holistic healer based in Dallas, Texas. In her practice, she uses techniques that work at a fundamental level, where the roots of the illness, fear and pain can be accessed and resolved. Sue teaches and blogs to broadcast and raise awareness about these new technologies, so that as many people as possible can find relief and peace in their life.