Most of us are paying attention to world news and we cannot escape the concern over Covid-19. That said, the 24-7 news cycle can seem intent upon building anxiety despite the fact that many in the news keep telling us not to be anxious. Indeed, when everywhere we turn there is more news about the disease and deaths that follow, how are we to stay balanced and at peace with ourselves? What’s more, I don’t think you need to be reminded of just how damaging fear and a continued state of heightened anxiety are to our health and wellness.
Neurochemicals
When stress and anxiety build in your body, so do all of those neurochemicals that interrupt the optimal operation of your endocrine, immune and ANS (autonomic nervous system). Think of your body this way, it has essentially two budgets analogous to a government. One is for growth and the other for defense. When we find ourselves in a fearful, anxious, or hopeless state, our budget is relegated to defense. When we are relaxed or playful, smile and laugh, or experience joy and love, etc., our budget is fully invested in growth. Not only that, all of those feel good neurochemicals flood the system and generously promote still stronger feelings of well-being.
Years ago, Norman Cousins told the world how he cured his cancer with laughter. Martin Seligman demonstrated to the world just how debilitating to our immune system hopeless/helpless feelings are. In the ‘70’s Herbert Benson illustrated the healing benefits to relaxation. The fact is, for more than fifty years now solid research has repeatedly demonstrated the mind-body connection and its role in wellness.
Fake It ’til You Make It!
I want to suggest to you all that augmenting your health and wellness with feel good neurochemicals is something you can choose to do. Just faking a smile signals the brain to release endorphins, the body’s natural opiates. A gratitude attitude sets up a positive expectation and we can all find things to be grateful for.
There is a virus in the world, but we can choose to be proactive about it. Sure, remember to wash your hands often and take all those other preventative measures being recommended by health authorities, but as importantly, remember to control your emotions and set up your own inner-best immune defense by taking positive steps to set your body to working on growth.
This stressful time will pass, but in the meantime take advantage of the social distancing and take care of yourself. It will serve you well to find the positive in every situation.
Wishing you all the best!
Eldon Taylor
P.S. If you enjoy these newsletters, please remember to share them with your friends and family. There are easy share buttons at the top of this newsletter. Please also be sure to friend Ravinder and me on Facebook as we both love interacting with you all. You can also find us on Instagram (Ravinder, Eldon) and on Pinterest (Ravinder, Eldon), plus, you can read (and subscribe to) my regular blog here.