Natural Allergy Relief: Stress

We all know what havoc stress can wreak in our lives.  Stress makes us tired, worn out and susceptible to negative emotions.  But stress also contributes to our ability to deal with allergies.

When the body is in a high-stress situation, you experience “sympathetic dominance” [b]– a constant fight-or-flight mode characterized by high levels of adrenaline.  Adrenaline released in the body during these moments allows it to deal with perceived “dangers” in the short term, but living in such a state in the long term wears down the body’s ability to process allergens and other toxins.

Many Americans, stressed by work, the economy and issues with family or friends may be in a “sympathetic dominant” state every day of their lives!  It’s no coincidence the more stressed you are, the more allergy prone you tend to be.

Here are some ways to help reduce your stress and restore your body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Be Present

There is nothing better for your emotional life than being in the present moment.  While meditation in the traditional sense certainly isn’t for everyone, we all have an activity that allows us to reengage our bodies and focus on the world around us in the present moment.

For some, it may be playing guitar or swimming in the ocean.  For others it could be spending time with a dog or hiking in nature.  By simply being present with the activity we love most, our minds and emotions slow down and we deescalate the panic induced by sympathetic dominance.  Being present is not a luxury — it is one of the very best things to restore your body and relieve your allergies.

Create a Schedule of Relaxation

We plan everything in our lives — or so it seems.  However, we tend not to create a schedule for taking time to ourselves.  Now with smartphones and our iCals, it is easier than ever to remind ourselves to take those breaks at work, eat lunch on time, engage in a cherished activity or simply rest.

While we all honor schedules when it comes to work, why not treat relaxation in the same way?  Mark relaxation times on your weekly calendar.  By scheduling time for yourself, you ensure it becomes a priority in your life.  Slowly, by reversing  your dependence on sympathetic dominance, you can restore the body’s vigor and make it less sensitive to allergens.