We are going through an unprecedented time and in addition to so many other adverse effects, COVID is causing sleepless nights. The effects of stress on mental and physical health are getting worse. The acute phase of stress leads to a reduction in sleep, vigilance and an adrenaline rush in the system to prepare you…

People with underlying conditions or immune compromised patients are severely affected by COVID. Can fear of getting COVID suppress your immune system making you prone to illness? Initial phases of stress begins to slow the immune system. As the stress continues immune deficiency sets in, which makes you more prone to infection – like sore…

Have you ever felt like you are unable to take a deep breath when you are anxious, frightened or angry? With heightened stress, the diaphragm shuts down and you start using all the accessory muscles in your chest and neck… and the breathing becomes fast and very shallow. When the stress continues longer, it creates…

The Endocrine system causes changes at the tissue level as well as changes in the brain due to the fight or flight mode initiated by stress. The changes at the tissue level include fatigue, sensitivity, soreness, tiredness and sluggishness – which leads to deconditioning. Changes at the brain level can be serious, like short term…

Stress (fear, panic, anxiety) leads to activating the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight). When you are in that mode the brain secretes hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) to keep you wide awake – your pupils dilate, heart rate increases, blood is diverted to areas in need of extra blood and oxygen and you become hyper…