Something you wouldn’t think of doing to prevent getting the Corona virus
Recently we’re all seeing the world as a scary place with deadly viruses lurking in unexpected places ready to wipe us and the economy out.
It’s no wonder we’re exhausted at the end of the day from fighting off unseen deadly enemies.
We’re programmed to believe that if we are vigilant enough, we can ward off the bad stuff. Sometimes we even believe that if we stay stressed out, it will motivate us to get things done.
While this defensive mode might have served our ancestors when they had to get away from mountain lions, it can have the opposite effect when we face everyday stresses repeatedly throughout our day. Being in constant hyperalert mode makes us more susceptible to getting sick, as stress lowers our immune system.
Is there a way we can be aware of our surroundings without having to continuously switch on the cascade of stress hormones that is actually bad for health?
What if we move from
“What’s out to get me”
to
“How can I help?”
Kindness has been shown to move the body from stress into relax mode. It allows you to actually feel happier and changes your brain.
So, if you really want to take proper precautions for preventing the transmission of a virus, you should get your immune system working at its best by keeping your body relaxed. Getting into relax mode activates the body’s natural healing abilities.
One way to explore this is to take a kindness challenge.
For the next week practice being kind.
On purpose.
Be kind to everyone, including yourself.
Here’s what I found when I took the kindness challenge for just a day.
1. I became more aware of my automatic response to rush through everyday situations. When I remembered to be kind I suddenly slowed down. The pause allowed me to be present to what was needed in the moment, which ironically was often kindness.
2. I became aware of the constant chatter in my head like a commentator narrating a sports event. Being kind got me from being a spectator to a player in my own life. Which meant I actually felt more satisfied.
3. I was able to be kinder to myself which made me feel happier and more productive.
“Being kind is more important than being right. ”
Take the kindness challenge. You don’t have to do huge things, start small with a smile to your cashier or letting someone in during peak traffic. See what you notice.