FEAR
Can I talk honestly with you? Can we talk about fear? Fear is what many people are feeling in heightened form since the pandemic hit. Call it fear on steroids! Fear has taken over, and our bodies are feeling it.
We were (and are) hit daily with Covid-19 statistics, the immortality rate, and mandates handed down to keep us safe. We are working from our homes with kids under our feet, and not exercising enough.
The fear of getting the illness has made many not leave their homes since March of 2019.
Fear. We are hard-wired to use fear as a protection. If you think about wild animals, they were always on alert, as they may get eaten. Stress.org defines fear this way:
The fight-or-flight response, also known as the acute stress response, refers to a physiological reaction that occurs in the presence of something that is terrifying, either mentally or physically. The response is triggered by the release of hormones that prepare your body to either stay and deal with a threat or to run away to safety.
Our “running away to safety” is staying inside and staying away from people. That is what is happening to many across the globe. We have let the fear of the illness take over, and fear rules predominantly. Are you in the category of fear that makes you shut the door to the world?
The concern is that fear will take over as the predominant emotion, and your body will hold that fear in. The repercussions of living in fear is that your body does not relax. You may end up with secondary health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, sleeping issues, etc. You may also overeat, overdrink, be cranky with your family, or more.
Take some proactive steps to situate yourself back to health. Take some time for self-care. Journal, cook, laugh, quilt, take a walk, read a book, Zoom call some friends -anything that brings you peace, do it! Do it several times per day to reset your body. Our lives have changed dramatically, and most feel we will never go back to life as we remembered it. This has been and continues to be difficult on many levels.
Be mindful of each moment. Don’t let fear lead.
To end, a word on tolerance: Please be tolerant of each other. Be polite. Respect the fact that we all are individuals, and as such, part of the beauty is that we are all very different. You may not like the position taken on a subject from another, but listen respectfully. Maintain friendship and mutual respect. This pandemic has forced our social lives almost to a halt. Cherish those that you are close with and nurture that relationship. I have been shocked by the level of intolerance between people, and have been personally attacked. Please remember to keep the level of dignity with friends and family!
As Always,
Here4You,
Janet,
Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach
