Stress Slows The Immune System

You're probably aware that stress can be harmful to your health, but did you know stress can suppress the immune system?

Stress can impact your weight, your habits, your gut, and your brain, among other things. Because we're faced with stressors throughout the day, managing stress can 

be challenging. After all, there's never enough time in the day or enough money, and if you're a people pleaser, the word 'no' may not come easy to you.

cortisol. Cortisol increases glucose in your bloodstream and ships it to your brain—all in an effort to prepare you to fight or flee. At the same time, non-essential functions, like your immune system and your digestive system, are down-regulated for fight-or-flight.

So what can you do for fast relief? Deep breathing. Here's how:

• Place a hand on your belly and the other on your chest.
• Slowly breathe in through your nose. The hand on your stomach should move while the one on your chest should stay in pretty much the same spot. If it looks like you have a Buddha belly, you've nailed it.
• Exhale through your mouth. It should be slightly opened. Once you've nailed the technique, you won't need to use your hands, and you can remind yourself to practice this breath several times throughout the day. It will automatically 'reset' your brain and reduce stress immediately.

If you are not finding it easy to do belly breathing, here is a tip, if you put your hands behind your neck you will automatically deep breathe. Practice this daily for 5 minutes while you are watching tv or before bedtime and you will see that with time your body will get used to belly breathing and you will be able to practice deep breathing exercise without having your hands behind your neck anymore.

Regular physical activity will also help reduce stress, but this deep breathing technique will instantly provide relief.

Try this breathing technique throughout the day several times this week and let me know how you feel and remember, I'm always here to help email me at Toni@drtonicamacho.com. Visit my website now to see all the wonderful stress management herbal supplements that I have.

Happy Monday!
Toni

Helpful links

• This week's radio show (stress management techniques for COVID-19)
• NEW now you can sign up to have your favorite herbal supplements delivery monthly to your door. Sign up for a subscription delivery and SAVE! and get over $120 dollars of freebies. to learn more Click here and select the category of supplements you want (stress, autoimmune, candida, adrenal fatigue)