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1 in 85 people now have covid & getting a +ve diagnosis is bound to cause fear & even panic. This feeling's caused by a surge of the stress hormone cortisol, which depletes the immune system over time.
Here's a thread of scientifically proven ways to decrease cortisol levels:
Here's a thread of scientifically proven ways to decrease cortisol levels:
Make a weighted blanket: place 1 or more extra blankets/layers on top of your duvet & lie underneath it for at least 30mins. This triggers the body/mind's response to being hugged. Draw/craft for 40 mins. Cortisol probably decreases sooner than that but this science is new.
Btw you don't have to do all these things, any of them will help.
If you have herbs in your garden cut some leaves & sniff the hell out of them. Their plant oils (phytoncides)will decrease cortisol within 15mins.
If your symptoms are mild, walk among trees/plants for 15mins
If you have herbs in your garden cut some leaves & sniff the hell out of them. Their plant oils (phytoncides)will decrease cortisol within 15mins.If your symptoms are mild, walk among trees/plants for 15mins
Oh and the 2 tips in the last tweet also boost the immune system.
If your symptoms are grim, watch YouTube videos of the sea/a river. If they're mild & you live near water try to go there on your daily walk.
Look at photos of nature. Click #Autumnwatch or #wildflowerhour.
If your symptoms are grim, watch YouTube videos of the sea/a river. If they're mild & you live near water try to go there on your daily walk.Look at photos of nature. Click #Autumnwatch or #wildflowerhour.
If you have a dog or cat nestle up to them. Their cortisol will drop too.There's v new research showing that gaming can lift mood. No cortisol results for this yet but self distraction of any kind can induce the brain state called 'flow' which decreases the stress response.
Apologies, of course if you have covid you have to stay in but you can walk round your garden if you have one.This thread is for anyone feeling panicky for any reason.
Do 20mins of gentle exercise
Watch some comedy
Have a nap
Listen to @Natures_Voice birdsong radio...
Do 20mins of gentle exerciseWatch some comedyHave a napListen to @Natures_Voice birdsong radio...
...or click on my birdsong Instagram highlight. All recorded in my garden during lockdown: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3ODc1Nzg5OTM2NTY0ODQx?igshid=1iibi5x8sgg8w&story_media_id=2264857655862377908
I'm neurodiverse in some way, (though covid stopped my diagnosis so not sure whether is ASD/ADHD) & I do several of these 
daily to help quieten my thoughts & feel less anxious.
Whatever your source of stress these activities can dial your cortisol down & make you feel calmer.
daily to help quieten my thoughts & feel less anxious. Whatever your source of stress these activities can dial your cortisol down & make you feel calmer.
