Stress and our immune system – 4 tips for your defenses

Living consciously

Under stress, the body switches to survival mode. The stress hormones mobilise all their forces for fight or flight – and the immune system has to step into the background. In the short term, that makes sense. But chronic stress weakens our defenses. These four tips will help you to counteract it.

1. Change your perspective

“I want to” instead of “I have to”. Even this small inner shift takes the pressure off. Much of what we experience as compulsion is in truth a choice.

2. Move in a way that brings you joy

Movement breaks down stress hormones. It is at its most beautiful when it is not a duty but a recovery – yoga, for example, combines movement, breath and stillness.

3. Eat nourishingly

Choose B vitamins over sugar. What you eat is information for your body – give it what makes it strong.

4. Sleep restoratively

Sleep is the most important form of regeneration. A quiet bedroom, fixed rituals and avoiding screens beforehand work wonders.

Three things at once – attitude, movement, nutrition – and good sleep: this is how you give your immune system the space it needs.