So, it is Day 1 of the British Lockdown and day 10 of our family’s isolation.
We are all feeling the stress! Stress is natural and an appropriate at this time, but it can be really unhelpful for mental well-being.
I am gonna keep this short and sweet, (if I can.) The stress response releases a number of chemicals into our bodies to help us with our fight or flight response. One of these chemicals (Cortisol,) feeds our muscles with energy, so that we can either fight the bear (bad idea) or run away from said bear (better idea if you ask me.)
However, if our fight or flight response is triggered by Coronavirus and a nationwide lockdown, then we are unable to fight or run away. When this happens, our bodies remain flooded with Cortisol and it float about in our bodies. Unfortunately when Cortisol comes into contact with brains cells it can cause damage or even cell death. Particularly in serotonin pathway (the brain cells which create the happy chemicals.) As you can imagine the damage or death of brain cells in the serotonin pathway is bad for mental health (don’t panic your brain is very clever and can regrow cells when it is less stressed through Neurogenesis). However, in the short term, less happy chemicals, means less feelings of happiness, equalling lower mood.
It’s pretty hard to stop experiencing stress at this time because we have very little control over a COVID19 or the lock down; although there are somethings which we can do in order to help us manage stress better (we will cover these another day.) One of the best things we can do right now is to help our bodies to burn off this Cortisol so that it don’t repeatedly flood our brains, damaging cells. Since we can’t fight or run away from the bear, we need to find a way to replaces these actions and the best way to do this is through exercise!
Exercise will not only help us to burn off Cortisol, helping us to save brain cells in the serotonin pathway but will also encourage the brain to release Endorphins (the body’s natural opioids which make us feel good.)
During Lockdown we can get outside once a day for exercise. If you can do so safely, then use it! If you can be safe then, get outside with your family or alone and get some air in those lungs. If not then get some exercise indoors. Jump on YouTube and find yourself some indoor exercise programmes if you are stuck for ideas
In order to burn off this Cortisol you need to get your heart pumping and your muscles moving to simulate running away from the previously mentioned bear. This will give your brain a chance to stay safe during the lock down and help you keep your mood up. The release Endorphins will also be helpful with your mood during this time.
I am not gonna pretend that I think the Lockdown is going to be easy or that exercise is going to make everything better, but it can certainly help.
We are all in this together so perhaps we could comment and share how we are keeping ourselves active during this tough time.
Stay Safe!
Inspire Liberty 