Many of us are very anxious in this pandemic as we see and hear a lot of unfortunate news and also a lot of information which are exaggerated from various sources. Too much information sometimes becomes very complex, and this leads to anxiety and fear.

Fear of affecting COVID, its implications on your near and dear, financial constraints, loss of job and the list of issues which can cause worry, fear and anxiety are so many.

Our immune system has millions of white blood cells called lymphocytes and phagocytes, which will try to eliminate bacteria, cancer cells and viruses from our body.  The stress we are going through creates a hormone in our body called “Cortisol” . Cortisol will lower the number of lymphocytes in the blood and also enter in our blood stream.

How to overcome stress?

We don’t have any choice other than removing stress from your life .

• Regular exercise will not only reduce cortisol levels and other stress hormones, it also release endorphins , we call it “ feel -good” hormones.
• Clear your mind. Thoughts makes your mind over work and if those thoughts are negative, that will lead to stress.  Your mind should be used for more creative and satisfying thoughts, which will always give immense hopes.
• Good sleep – Getting adequate sleep can refresh your mind and improve your overall positivity.
• Keep in touch with your family, near and dear and friends to manage your stress as well as the stress of your near and dear too. One of the best way to de-stress is to share your mind, venting out frustrations, laugh out bad moods and to be cheerful.  These interactions will help release oxytocin, a natural stress reliever.
• Engaging in social events can help you lower risks of depression and anxiety.
• Please do not take up responsibilities or tasks which are beyond your control, that will add to more stress.
• Plan your days, priorities and tasks in such a way that you balance your activities with appropriate breaks.
• Laughter – Watch, read and share every thing which makes you and others laugh. Laughter is the best medicine.
• Practising generosity: One of the biggest stress busters is practising generosity. Just buy a meal for a friend who is staying alone or just donate whatever you can afford to a needy person.   But remember, we should do these with no expectation in return.
• Mindfulness: Please do yoga and meditation to help practice mindfulness which protects you and save you out from Stress and leads to a calm state of mind.

Needless to say, Ayurveda has various medicines and therapies which can reduce the stress levels.

Sukhinobhavanthu

Dr Smita KattiGotur B.A.M.S

Head of Practice and Governance

Travancore Ayurveda