A thread on the relationship between the brain & immune system. This is very important during this time period!

A healthy stress-response system is constantly adjusting its level of activation of relaxation.

The “HPA axis” that is a web of communication between the..

hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

This system is working hard when you are under a lot of stress. All of us are now. Even if you don’t feel it, you’re currently going through a “negative feedback” loop in your system.

It’s the same reason why people..

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who are used to being sendentary quit exercise programs (they’re “stable”. They get negative feedback such as fatigue, boredom, or pain (they become “unstable”).

Our systems have been thrown off their routine. This new lifestyle isn’t normal to us.

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So our HPA axis, which is working hard when there’s a lot of stress or instability in our systems, can chronically be in overdrive.

This can lead to a more sympathetic “fight or flight” response in our systems, leading to the body protecting itself. This can cause..

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disturbances in sleep, an inability to relax, and even atrophy of muscles.

If we are chronically sympathetic with an overloaded HPA axis, it can lead to depression, anxiety, obesity, chronic fatigue/pain, and a compromised immune system (McEwen 2017, McEwan, 2007).

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To help solve this, it’s better to slow down our nervous systems & release dopamine. Practice diaphragmatic breathing (I have a LOT on that), go outside, socialize via the internet, and exercise in a way that you enjoy.

Allow your body to adopt to this large disturbance.

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