December has officially arrived — the month where our calendars fill up, our to-do lists double in size, and our stress levels try to compete with the holiday lights for “brightest display.”
Between Christmas shopping, family gatherings, end-of-year deadlines, and the eternal hunt for that one gift that’s always sold out, our nervous systems can feel like they’re running a marathon in snow boots. As a certified holistic health coach, I’m here to help you glide into the season with a little more calm and a lot more resilience.
Stress is a significant contributor to illnesses. One person out of three reports feeling very stressed in their daily life, which tends to put us at risk of activating harmful viruses that may be in our system. When we experience stress, we harm our body’s ability to fight antigens with antibodies. Daily stress and stressful situations can be detrimental to our immune system. The more stress reduction activities you can bring in your life, the stronger your immune system will become.
Today, I’m sharing 2 simple tips to reduce stress and boost your immunity — because the only thing you should be catching this month is the holiday spirit (not a virus). 🙂
Change Your Mindset
You can change your mindset by being more positive and live in the present moment. According to studies across the world, positivism is a trait that increases your health and reduces your chances of being sick from a virus. Not only is the immune system of optimistic people more robust, but they also show signs of being healthier in general.
Whatever happens around you, you always have a choice of how you respond to that situation. You either see it with a half-full glass or half-empty glass. An excellent way to start improving your attitude is to focus on gratitude. Finding things that you are grateful for will help you see the best in everything. You can do so by writing in a journal the daily gratitude that you want to express. Besides, practicing mindfulness will help you to manage your tensions. Mindfulness is the ability to stay in the present moment and stop worrying about the past or the future. Less mental stress also means less physical stress and give more power to your immune system.
Tap Into the Power of Aromas
Aromas from essential oils can help you boost your immune system while bringing a sense of calmness into space. One of the most effective essential oils is lavender. Lavender is a powerful oil in which antioxidants help the body protect the cells from toxins. You can use it in a diffuser to help kill allergen and bring a fresh scent to your home and help you relax. Place a drop of lavender oil on your pillow to improve your sleep. Another great way to use lavender oil is by adding two to four drops to your bathwater. Lavender oil will help you release the toxins from your body while finding a deep sense of relaxation.
Here’s to stress-free living!