Peace-ing out in the Pandemic

Photo:  tattoodaze.com  from Pinterest

Coping with Corona

Life as we know it has changed.  Drastically.  And it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better.

So how do you cope with the stress?

If you are a medical marijuana patient or live in a legal recreational state, consider cannabis’ beneficial effects.

Medical marijuana can minimize anxiety;  a University of Washington Marijuana and Mental Health Study concluded, “Pure THC appears to decrease anxiety at lower doses and increase anxiety at higher doses. On the other hand, pure CBD appears to decrease anxiety at all doses that have been tested.”

Cannabis is a faster-working alternative to antidepressants.  Cannabis stimulates the endocannabinoid system and speeds up the growth and development of nervous tissue with little to no troublesome side effects. This natural remedy offers peace of mind and battles stress by enhancing mood, providing energy and focus, relieving anxiety.

Cannabis can also fortify your body’s homeostasis center, the Endocannabinoid System responsible for keeping your body in balance.  This well-written article speaks to the beneficial effect cannabis has on the immune system.

Cannabis is NOT a cure nor it it a magic pill that will kill off coronavirus,  but it is a proven “alternative medicine” that can improve your overall health and body function and perhaps, bolster your immunity.

Pandemic does not equal panic.  There is nothing to gain from worrying and possibly much to lose.   As cities shut down, as more people isolate, many will feel disconnected from people, especially those  living alone.   Reach out to them and your loved ones – check in with them.  Refocusing your mind by helping others can be very liberating.

Cannabis can also teach you how to utilize the seclusion to your advantage…to travel within.  Rather than allowing your mind to be overtaken by fear or anxiety, it lets you “take a step inside yourself” and gain a broader perspective.  Worry causes adrenaline and cortisol to move quickly through your system.  Studies have shown that the release of these neurotransmitters can cause methylation, a process that degrades cells and can lead to a lowered immune response.”

As President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Information on becoming an educator, consultant or medical cannabis coach

FOOTNOTES FROM OUR EXPERTS:

From Kristina Risola, Cannabis Coach, NWA Mentor and Expert – if your preferred delivery system is via inhalation, you may want to pivot to tinctures, patches, topical lotions or edibles.  This is the notification her clinics have sent out to their large patient base.

“Inhalation is an effective and efficient medication option. Unfortunately COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that quickly affects the lungs. Any potential irritant, including cannabis smoke or vapor, could increase the risk of complications. For the time being, we strongly encourage all patients to try alternative delivery methods, reserving inhalation for absolutely necessary situations only. 

“If you have any signs of respiratory discomfort, distress, or illness cease inhalation use IMMEDIATELY!”    https://www.flmedcannabis.org/

From Dr. L J Rose, NWA Director:

Health and Healing must encompass Body, Mind & Spirit.  Here are some tips and easy-to-implement ideas, techniques and exercises to help you  — not only tolerate the enforced isolation, or navigating the new normal — but perhaps flourish by creating new habits of thought and self-care.

BODY –  One of the simplest health-enhancing things you can do to detoxify and alkalize your body is to start each day drinking warm lemon water (I also add fresh ginger, especially now for my immune system) BEFORE you drink your coffee, tea or juice.  Start your system out right with organic lemon juice in warm filtered water – and if you think organic lemons are too expensive — here’s a tip that will get you AT LEAST 6 WEEKS using the same lemon.  I also freeze my ginger and one piece lasts forever – I do 15 grate passes.  35 for the lemon.

You can read more about this and other uses for the grated frozen lemon here.

MIND – Committing to sit and just breathe, even if for a few minutes every day, will not only give you a clearer and more supportive frame of mind, it also benefits every organ and system in your body.  Dr. Andrew Weil has said that if you were to do one single thing to improve your health, it would be to incorporate deep breathing exercises daily.

I did this breathing technique faithfully for a full year and that lead me to a daily practice of meditation.

SPIRIT – As we started this blog —  We are all in this together.  Sometimes the most spiritual thing one can do is just surrender to what is.  Yes, we are all feeling antsy and not sure what the future may bring — but there has to be something good that will come out of all of this.  We’ve seen, on social media, the photos (see below) of how the canals in Venise are clearing and dolphins are swimming, fresher air, birdsong where it had disappeared, etc.

The BEST way to get out of your head is:  JUST DO GOOD
Find something you can do for someone else.  There are a lot of people who need help or can benefit just by knowing that you’ve reached out to them.  Check out the Next Door app so you can connect with your neighbors for mutual support.  Be a voice of calm in a very concerned world.  Shop for someone who is more vulnerable.  You can figure this one out.

And here’s the extra added benefit of feeling good:  When you get those warm and fuzzies it means that beneficial hormones are running through your body, which all contribute to balance (homeostasis) and well-being: Endorphins, Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin and other Endocannabinoids also contribute to a stronger immune response.

Balance is The Middle Way.  Here’s an article I wrote for Huffington Post, about moving from this position to mindfulness