HOLIDAYPANDEMICSTRESS

The impact of holiday stress and pandemic stress on your immune system New lifestyle We are undoubtedly living through a hard time in history. The coronavirus strains have proposed new unforeseen challenges to each one of us and collectively as a world, our daily routine built on stability and predictability has taken a deep dive into uncharted turbulent seas and we have been left to tread water. Between staying on top of the rapidly evolving CDC guidelines, managing our newly virtual careers, keeping both “big” and “small” businesses afloat, online schooling, and trying to stay socially connected at a physical distance, it is no wonder most people are more stressed than ever! New challenges

holiday season proposes a whole new set of challenges. Stress levels tend to be higher this time of year due to the demanding nature this to an extend has been the norm for years but now taking a different angle due to the pandemic. This increase in stress comes with an increase in the incidence of cold and flu, especially as we transition into the winter months. This is no coincidence because stress suppresses the immune system which increases our susceptibility to cold and flu. Immune system

We need to consider the double affliction of holiday stress and pandemic stress on our immune system’s ability to cope with potential invaders like the evolving strains of COVID-19.in addition to eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and taking immune-boosting supplements like vitamin D, we should therefore ensure we have our stress levels under control this holiday and make sure our immune system is in fighting shape. To do this, understand how stress suppresses the immune system hence determine where and how we can intervene to alleviate its effect. Stress hormone When we perceive emotional and environmental stress, our hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) becomes activated in the brain. When activated, the brain sends a signal to the hypothalamus which releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and signals the pituitary gland to secrete an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then signals the adrenal gland to produce and excrete cortisol,which is the primary stress hormone. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that normal physiologic levels is anti-inflammatory. Glucocorticoids are so effective at reducing inflammation that they have been reverse-engineered into pharmaceuticals to be prescribed in conditions caused by inflammation like allergies, asthma, and autoimmunity. More harm than good

in today’s world, we are faced with chronic stress which keeps our cortisol constantly activated, and our immune system chronically suppressed. So, the hormone with the initial intention of protecting us by lowering inflammation is causing more harm than good by chronically suppressing our immune system. The current state of the coronavirus pandemic on top of holiday stress comes at a high price to our immune system. Cope with situations The only way to mitigate activation of the HPA axis is to halt cortisol release by intervening at the source- taking back control over how we perceive stress. Of course, this is easier said than done, but research shows that people who are better equipped to handle stress with appropriate coping mechanisms have a heightened ability to fight off viral or bacterial threats to their immune system. Lowering stressful moments

There are thousands of studies that link mindfulness meditation to lowering stress levels and improved immunity. From a functional medicine perspective, this is an imperative intervention to bolster your immune response. In addition, speaking to a clinical therapist or making time for stress-lowering activities like walking, biking, journaling, swimming or painting are quintessential to prime your immune system’s defence and should become a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle- especially this year as it ends, as the new year knocks, and always. *********************happy stress-free holiday**************