Allergies are rooted in the body’s immune system. When the immune system thinks that something like dust, mold, nuts, or dairy is an invasive element, it goes to work fighting the element in order to protect the body from harm. In cases where we’ve come into contact with an aggressive pathogen, bacteria, or virus this is a great thing – but when the element is as non-dangerous as a flower or wool, the body can overreact and cause all of the symptoms that allergies bring. Because allergies cause so much stress on the body, and because stress influences how well the immune system works, it’s important to consider the connection between stress and allergies allergies.
Have you ever noticed that it seems when you are the most stressed you end up getting sick? Just when things couldn’t get worse, you wake up aching, sniffling, and coughing. The reason for this may be that stress and anxiety actually wear down the immune system so that it doesn’t work as well as usual. Stress can force the various body systems to put their energy into calming, protecting, and nurturing the body while the common cold, allergens, or other invasive things find a way to sneak in.
If you deal with allergies on a daily basis or have people in your family who do, it’s a good idea to consider the role of anxiety and stress in the overall daily function of those allergies. Taking precautions to stay calm, deal with anxieties before they become problematic, and maintain a sense of strong peace is always a good idea. Here are a few simple ways to minimize stress, calm anxious nerves, and help keep the body and mind calm all the time…
- Learn simple breathing techniques, like abdominal breathing, that calm the nerves, clear the mind, and soothe the body.
- Herbal teas like chamomile, lemon balm, and linden flowers are all flavorful ways to add calming to your life. Ensure that you don’t have any allergies to those plants before using them. Chamomile often causes allergies in people who have ragweed or pollen sensitivities.
- Avoiding caffeine, processed sugars, and refine flours can help lessen anxiety and soothe the mood.
- Saline Sprays & Neti Pots are a wonderful way to irrigate sinus areas
- Daily vitamins and nutrients to help build up the immune system
- Talking it out with a trusted friend, loved one, or therapist is a great way to process stress instead of bottling it up.
- Exercise, games, and comedy shows are all easy ways to burn off stress and put a smile on your face – anytime!
If you feel that stress and anxiety play a role in your allergies, it’s a great time to bring it up with your doctor. There are many effective solutions for stress, worry, and anxiety that are easy to implement in your life and will have far-reaching positive effects.