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adrenal gland, the gland responsible for secreting epinephrine, which triggers the fight or flight
hormone.

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is commonly associated with intense or prolonged stress. However,
tapping into serotonin, a chemical responsible for our "feel-good emotions," can eradicate our
negative thoughts and their affects. Ninety percent of serotonin cells are in our digestive system. The
key to successfully activating the serotonin is diaphragmic breathing. Such breathing also activates
parasympathetic nerves located in the lobes of our lungs. These nerves are part of our parasympathetic
nervous system. That system is responsible for the heart being in its resting phase, which often occurs
when our bodies are either in or entering rest. For example, when we slow down following a sprint to
the other end of a basketball court, the parasympathetic nerves are activated, and the heart enters its
resting phase.

Whether it is emotional stress or stress spurred on by physical activity, both have the same
harmful effects on our hearts. It appears, however, that an essential key to maintaining an optimal
mind-body connection is...breathing. Therefore, the next time you are under the duress of some kind,
either physically or emotionally, and someone tells you to "take a deep breath," do not just brush it
off as a meaningless cliché. It works and it’s something I decided I would implement in my morning
routine. I decided that every morning, my breathing technique would involve inhaling for 10 seconds,
holding my breath for 5 seconds, and exhaling for 10 seconds. I'd do that for ten cycles which equaled
to approximately 10 minutes.

Afterward, I decided that I would re-institute some familiar habits like drinking my 16oz bottle
of water right before my two-minute, low-impact exercise routine, followed by several online chess
rounds. And even though the gyms where closed and there was no more basketball to get up for and
look forward to, I knew I had to re-establish good habits and a more holistic routine that would impact
my mind, body, and spirit in a way that would prepare me for day ahead and rejuvenate me to become
a source of encouragement to my patients, friends, co-workers, and loved ones.

It was either sink or swim for me and I decided to swim--looking only ahead to what was
directly in front of me and what I had immediate control of. Whether it was the patient in front of me
and how I needed to treat them, or my co-workers and making the conscious effort to be positive and
build work moral, I had the control. I also consciously chose what I exposed my mind to with regards
to media consumption.

Because of the inundation of bad and demoralizing news, fasting from the media might has
been one of the best decisions for me., Another thing I had control of was what sources of
entertainment I exposed myself to. Anyone who knows me knows I love to laugh. I have a great sense
of humor, and whatever is funny I will laugh at, even at my own expense. It is so vital that we find
time to laugh because the adage is true, “Laughter is the best medicine".

Studies have shown that laughter has an anti-inflammatory effect. It helps protect blood
vessels and heart muscles from cardiovascular disease. Research also shows that laughter activates the
release of endorphins from our bodies. Endorphins are the feel-good chemical solely responsible for

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