Rituals to Slow Down: Why It's Good For Your Immune System (And How to Do It!)

Fall — with its crisp breeze and the promise of cozy sweaters — brings a sense of renewal and transformation to the world around us. Yet, amidst this beautiful seasonal shift, there’s a feeling that’s all too familiar for many of us: busyness and stress.

This month often ushers in a flurry of activity that can leave us mentally and physically overwhelmed, whether you’re a parent juggling back-to-school events (73% of parents say they find back-to-school season highly stressful), a career professional navigating the hustle and bustle of work, or anyone else just feeling the stress and rush of the season.

And all that stress is bad for your mental health, relationships, and even your immune system. Consider this your invitation to slow down — it’s not about being indulgent or selfish, but about protecting your holistic health and supporting your immune system during trying times.

Grab a warm cup of tea, cozy up in your favorite blanket, and let’s embark on a journey to understand the whirlwind of busyness and stress that often accompanies the fall season. Plus, we’ll share ways to embrace the beauty of autumn, and practical rituals to slow down, without sacrificing your peace of mind.

Are You Feeling a Bit Too Busy This Fall?

If you’re feeling a bit stressed this month and craving some rituals to slow down and de-stress, you’re not alone.

Fall marks the beginning of the school year for students of all ages, from young children to college students. This means parents and students alike often experience increased activity with the start of classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and school-related events.

On the career front, many industries experience increased activity during the fall season. For example, retail businesses prepare for the holiday shopping season, while professionals in fields like accounting or finance often have busy periods related to end-of-year financial reporting.

Then, of course, come the holidays. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas shopping. The list goes on, and preparing for and celebrating these holidays can involve a significant amount of planning, cooking, decorating, and socializing.

All that stress has real impacts on your health and happiness.

Why Rituals to Slow Down Could Be the Key to a Stronger Immune System

The stress and busyness that comes with the fall season can have significant effects on your immune system, physical health, and mental health.

For example, chronic stress can lead to the suppression of the immune system, making the body less capable of defending itself against infections and illnesses. This can result in increased susceptibility to colds, flu, and other infections.

Stress also triggers the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can promote inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with a range of health issues, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular problems, and digestive disorders.

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But the hectic rush of the fall season doesn’t just impact your immune system. There are also real mental health and physical health concerns when you’re rushing around, juggling work and parenting and social life, without taking a pause, de-stressing, and connecting with rituals to slow down and relax.

Physical effects of un-managed stress include:

• Cardiovascular Problems: Prolonged stress can contribute to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and the constriction of blood vessels. Over time, this can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Stress can lead to digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, and stomach ulcers. It can also affect nutrient absorption and lead to changes in eating habits.
• Weight Gain: Some individuals respond to stress by overeating or making poor dietary choices, leading to weight gain and obesity. Stress hormones can also encourage the accumulation of abdominal fat.
• Sleep Disruptions: Stress often disrupts sleep patterns, causing insomnia or poor-quality sleep. Sleep is essential for physical health and immune function, so chronic sleep disturbances can exacerbate other health problems.

Mental health concerns that are often linked to chronic stress include:

• Anxiety and Depression: Stress is a common trigger for anxiety and depression (which affects nearly a quarter of all American adults). Persistent stress can lead to an ongoing state of heightened anxiety or sadness, making it difficult to cope with daily life.
• Cognitive Impairment: Chronic stress can impair cognitive function, affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making abilities.
• Substance Abuse: Some individuals may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to cope with stress, which can lead to addiction and further mental health problems.
• Increased Risk of Mental Disorders: Prolonged exposure to stress is associated with an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Managing stress this fall is the key to maintaining both physical and mental well-being, especially as we get into cold and flu season. And there are several practical rituals to slow down and de-stress that anyone can weave into their day, no matter how busy you are.

15 Rituals to Slow Down: Practical Ways to Relax and De-Stress This Fall

Engaging in rituals to slow down and de-stress can be a wonderful way to promote relaxation and well-being. These rituals are often personal and can be tailored to suit your individual preferences and schedule. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure that reinvigorates your soul, recharges your energy, and keeps your immune system in top shape.

1. Morning Mindfulness: Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises. This sets a calm and centered tone for the day ahead.

2. Tea or Coffee Ritual: Instead of rushing through your morning beverage, create a ritual around it. Savor each sip mindfully, perhaps while sitting in a comfortable chair by a window. (Get three immune-boosting tea recipes here!)

3. Nature Walks: Spend time in nature by taking leisurely walks in a park, forest, or by the beach. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Not only is time in nature relaxing, but forest baths and spending time in nature have numorous health benefits for your self-care and wellness!

4. Bath Time: Enjoy a warm bath with Epsom salts and essential oils. Light some candles, play soothing music, and let yourself unwind.

5. Journaling: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a journal. This can help you process emotions and gain clarity.

6. Yoga or Stretching: Practice yoga or gentle stretching exercises to release tension in your body. Focusing on your breath and movements can be very calming.

7. Digital Detox: Dedicate a specific time each day to unplug from screens, including smartphones, computers, and TVs. Use this time to read, draw, or engage in other screen-free activities.

8. Aromatherapy: Use essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus to create a calming atmosphere in your space. You can use a diffuser or simply inhale the scents.

9. Cooking: Prepare a favorite meal from scratch, taking your time to enjoy the process of chopping, sautéing, and savoring the flavors. (Get hundreds of FREE healthy recipes here!)

10. Arts or Crafts: Engage in creative activities like painting, knitting, or crafting. Creating art can be a meditative and soothing experience.

11. Listening to Music: Listen to calming or instrumental music that helps you relax. Create playlists for different moods and situations.

12. Reading: Read a good book, magazine, or poetry. Choose something that inspires you or takes your mind off stressors.

13. Gratitude Practice: Take a moment each day to reflect on and write down things you are thankful for. This can shift your focus from stress to appreciation.

14. Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system. Techniques like the 4-7-8 breath or diaphragmatic breathing can be particularly effective.

15. Disconnecting: Set aside a designated time each day to disconnect from work or other obligations. Give yourself permission to relax without guilt.

Remember that the key to successful stress-relieving rituals is consistency. Incorporating these practices into your daily or weekly routine can help you manage stress more effectively this fall and create a sense of balance in your life. Experiment with different rituals to discover what works best for you and adapt them to fit your unique needs and preferences.

References:

• https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/news-polls/parents-stress-backtoschool
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4465119/
• https://www.columbiadoctors.org/news/chronic-stress-can-hurt-your-overall-health
• https://extension.missouri.edu/news/chronic-stress-leads-to-health-problems-3473
• https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
• https://news.berkeley.edu/2014/02/11/chronic-stress-predisposes-brain-to-mental-illness