8 tips to Reduce Stress and Boost Your Immune System

Stress plays an important role in the body, for example, the cortisol boost your body gets during a brief moment of stress can actually help your immune system by reducing inflammation in the body. Yay!

Unfortunately, in our current society, stress is rarely just a brief moment here and there. Which means there’s too much cortisol which can cause more inflammation. Boo :(

Chronic stress has been shown to provoke immunosuppression. In part, it decreases lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that fights the bacteria, viruses, and other toxins that can make us sick.) But also the ongoing inflammation and cortisol lead to additional impairments of the immune system.

So while you continue to follow the health guidelines (washing hands, maintaining social distancing, avoiding touching your face, practicing respiratory hygiene, and seeking medical care) it’s also important to consider how you are supporting your immune system so it can better handle any exposures to the COVID-19 virus, the flu, or other illnesses.

Being a reflexologist, I think booking a reflexology session is a great way to reduce your stress, but here are a few other things that can help in-between sessions :)

1. Exercise

2. Focus on your breath

3. Meditate or practice mindfulness

4. Journal

5. Laugh

6. Cuddle

7. Eat healthy foods

8. Get enough sleep

I have a few offerings that could be added in addition to a stress relieving reflexology at Nurturing Health.

1. Private Guided Yoga Nidra Meditation- A guided meditation to relax the body and mind. 30 minutes is said to equal 3 hours of sleep!

2. Private Mindfulness Mediation Class- learn techniques to manage stress through breath and present moment awareness.

Email sarahszwakob@gmail.com