The Importance of Reducing Stress in Stressful Times
If you have ever experienced butterflies in your stomach or a twinge in your gut, then you have experienced how stress can affect your intestinal health, which in turn has an effect on your immune system. Sadly, we are all experiencing higher levels of stress right now, and it’s been going on for a while.
When your stress response is activated, it speeds up the contraction of the intestines. This reaction then diverts blood flow away from the digestive system in preparation for a fight or flight reaction. That makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?
Did you know that over 70% of your Immune System is located in your gut? Hippocrates knew it. He famously said, “All disease begins in the gut.”, so making sure that your gastrointestinal tract is in top shape is critical to your overall health and well-being. Managing stress is the key factor in ensuring that any other efforts to keep your gut healthy are successful.
There are a number of ways to help you manage your stress levels. Exercise is a great way to release a lot of tension, but under lockdown conditions, many of us find our usual workout routines disrupted (some of us here are guilty as charged…).
If you are a creative person, then drawing, painting, or crafting can help reduce stress. However, with children in the house 24/7, it may be hard to create the space you need unless it becomes a family affair. While that may be heart-warming in many ways, it might not be the best stress-relieving activity if you‘re already experiencing ‘Family Time Overload’.
Meditation is a meaningful tool that doesn’t require space or any special equipment.
A Forbes Magazine Article highlights a number of studies that cite seven of the biggest benefits of meditation, including reducing stress and anxiety, supporting focus and concentration, and helping to preserve the aging brain. For those of us who feel we have aged about ten years since the start of the Pandemic, sign us up!
However, if you are like some of us here at PhytoQuant-USA, the initial thought of meditating can be overwhelming. How do you get your mind to shut off for more than ten seconds?
Luckily, there are many helpful apps and resources to help you find your OHM. You can start with just 5 minutes once or twice a day to reap the benefits of meditation. This article in Healthline gives a rundown of the Top Ten Meditation Apps, so you can compare and contrast to find the best fit for you. You can even encourage your spouse and children to discover their own meditation path.
Not ready to commit to an App? YouTube is a treasure trove of free guided meditations that you can view at any time. Some of our favorites are Michael Sealey, Jason Stephenson and PowerThoughtsMeditation. They have options for beginners through advanced levels so you’re sure to find one you love.
Many of us do much better with a coach. PhytoQuant friend and advocate, Marie Viellard, who owns the Uma Center Yoga Studio in NYC and is actively working remotely and accepting new clients, shared the following:
"Meditation, whether based on the .control of the breath, the repetition of a mantra or using visualization techniques, is and will always be one of the most effective tools to balance the nervous system. This means your stress response to whatever happens in your daily life will start being less dramatic, and your whole body will just function better. "
Lastly, we recommend QuantaRelax, a gentle herbal blend that will assist with relaxation, sleep, and anxiety.
Stay calm. We are here for you. Please reach out if we can help:
info@steinerlabs.org
540-592-3365
Mon-Thurs/ 10 am ET – 4 pm ET
In case you missed it, check out Part I in our series on Gut Health and Immunity here.
Are you a Health Professional interested in learning more about our products and how we can work together? Please contact us at holli@steinerlabs.org
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The PhytoQuant Products and this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
