COVID-19 weighs on everyone’s mind. It’s affecting the entire country and there’s no where you can turn without hearing about the virus. With this increased anxiety in our everyday lives, the human response can lead to bigger problems.
With the fear of contracting this virus controlling our day to day, many people are in constant worry. This worry intensifies if you are at an age where you are prone to illnesses. People over the age of 65 must be careful during this pandemic. The bodily reaction to this worry can be more damaging than people believe.
The response
The human response to extreme anxiety and fear is the fight-flight-freeze response. This response helps your brain handle your fear by producing steroids called cortisol. However, these steroids weaken your immune system. A weak immune system only brings another worry to the table.
How do I avoid this?
It’s difficult to be optimistic during this time. The more you keep up with the pandemic, the more anxious you may feel. But being optimistic can help your immune system.
By shifting your mood to a more optimistic view, your body will release itself from the fight or flight response it’s confined to. Being positive is healthy for your brain in more than one way.
Turn off the new and take the advantage to do the things you didn’t have time for before. Spend more time with your family, whether it’s in person or on the phone. Adjust how your brain looks at these events because by staying positive, your immune system could improve.
