By Dr. Linell King
Humans are creatures of habit. We find great comfort in familiar routines, reliable schedules; the general predictability that structures our days help us to feel a sense of calm and control. Even while we work hard in our jobs and relationships, stressors in life seem more manageable when we can return to the daily grind of work, grocery shopping, and the usual schedule that we are accustomed to.
During times of change and uncertainty, we encounter the disruption of our typical routines and plans, which may feel manageable for the short term, but with sustained uncertainty can absolutely shake us to the core. With the news of a previously unknown and rapidly spreading disease, limitations on our ability to move about in our world physically and socially, and uncertainty on who to trust for accurate information and the safeguarding of our health, many people are completely overwhelmed, on the brink of or already overcome with panic and fear.
Let’s take this time to address the things that we can control, though it may not feel like much. It is our responsibility, now more than ever, to take impeccable care of our bodies, our minds, our immune systems, and to be a messenger of calm for our families and others around us.
Prolonged stress can lead to increased blood pressure, arterial damage, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, inflammation, and a weakened immune system. This is the perfect time to take proactive measures to minimize the effects of stress on yourself, which might even inspire those around you to do the same.
Time Out: RELAX
Self-compassion is essential for your health. It sounds harder than it is. It is a simple discipline. It is free, and always available to you in any quantity that you will allow. Your loved ones deserve the best version of you, so if it helps you commit, do it for them. Carve out times throughout the day to relax, to abstain from listening to or reading news or researching. Do what soothes your soul.
Take an epsom salt bath, take a walk, or simply allow yourself ten minutes alone in a quiet space to clear your mind and focus on breathing deeply. Use a meditation app if that helps you to breathe, relax, and “unplug,” even briefly. This can have an amazing impact on lowering cortisol, decreasing blood pressure, reducing anxiety, and can help you to feel grounded and more clear-headed. Over time, you will notice that these personal care methods will help you to become calmer throughout the day and that you’ll be able to reach a more relaxed state faster, with less effort.
Move Your Body
There have never been more resources available to ensure that you can get a workout in at home. In addition to walking, bike riding, or swimming, you can find any class or exercise program imaginable via the internet, on your smart TV, on an app for your phone, or (gasp!) even in a magazine! Do it! Exercise regularly, stretch gently, keep yourself strong and your body moving to reduce stress and improve your mood. Gentle, mindful movement, such as Yin yoga or Tai Chi helps to improve flexibility, posture, immune function, bone health, and can help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar.
Meditation and Prayer
Taking the time to connect to your own spiritual belief system can also reduce stress and anxiety, promote emotional wellbeing, which can help fight addictions, improve immune function, stave off memory disorders and increase neuroplasticity.
Find Your Perfect Formula
To keep ourselves healthy, we need a well-rounded treatment protocol that incorporates stress management, great nutrition, high-quality sleep, exercise, and relaxation to stabilize our systems.
It is important to remember that we are all in this together, and to provide and receive the love and support that we all need right now, and always.
At Naples Vitality, we address weight loss, allergies, diabetes, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, inflammation, and more through thorough assessment, appropriate testing, and highly individualized functional medicine.
Linell King MD, renowned internist and author of “Mastering Vitality” received his medical degree from the University Of Wisconsin School Of Medicine, and completed his residency at The Johns Hopkins University Sinai Hospital Program of Internal Medicine. He has been practicing for twenty years; currently at his “Naples Vitality” office in Naples, FL
Our practice size is limited to ensure the best possible care for our clientele; we qualify and accept patients committed to working collaboratively to create improved health and continued success.
Naples Vitality
239-307-0036
www.Naplesvitality.com
201 8th St S #307, Naples, FL 34102