Social distancing stressing you out?

Social distancing does not have to mean total isolation. People during this time are requested to limit social gatherings to less than 10 people — sometimes less, depending on your area. Staying home with your immediate family is the best option for the time being. But as the days linger, stress levels rise. Experts advise reducing stress because as stress increases, cortisol levels increase which negatively impacts our bodies’ immune function…the very thing we are protecting by social distancing. (1)

Try these things at home to reduce stress and nurture your immune system at the same time.

Take a warm bath adding a cup of Epsom salts and a dropperful of CBD oil to calm your senses and soothe your skin.

Hydrate all day, every day. Spice things up by adding a piece of your favorite fruit to plain water or drink a cup of iced herbal tea.

Get more rest; start a habit of turning the lights and electronics off 5 to 10 minutes earlier each night to train the body to go to bed earlier, sleep better and have more productive mornings. Restful sleep is a powerful immune booster.

Limit internet activity and include online classes to take up a new hobby or skill or to connect with others but don’t spend too much time online, especially reading the news.

Have some fun! Whether you go outside to run, bike, walk, or canoe, spending time in nature while getting some exercise is a great option. Online exercise videos and virtual tours are a great way to “get outside” and enjoy a new adventure even if it takes place in your own backyard.

Don’t forget to laugh! Watch funny movies or home videos, horseplay with your kids, or have some fun with board games. Keep your mind sharp and focused too. Read all those books on your “to read” list.

Most importantly, stay connected with friends, family, and neighbors via phone, text, email, or video chat. Make sure everyone is doing ok — some people may not feel comfortable sharing their requests for help unless asked. If you know anyone seriously struggling emotionally, including yourself, reach out for help — there are even online counseling apps with professional, licensed therapists. Now is also a great time to try CBD oil…according to a recent Gallup Poll. (2) Research is preliminary but promising that CBD may help our bodies process serotonin--the hormone and neurotransmitter responsible for regulating emotions. (3)

These are emotional times we are navigating but TOGETHER we will get through this (even while social distancing).

(1) https://cdn.ymaws.com/naturopathic.org/resource/resmgr/newsletter/natnow2020/AANP2019CoronavirusFINAL.pdf

(2) https://news.gallup.com/poll/263147/americans-say-cbd-products.aspx

(3) https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a26826400/cbd-and-anxiety/