10 Ways Your State of Mind Affects Your Immune System

Scientists once believed that the mind and the body were separate, that one didn't influence the other. Today we know that isn't the case. Your stress levels and general mental state can have profound effects on the efficacy of your immune system. Your immune system doesn't just deal with illnesses like the flu or the common cold.

Your immune system also deals with cancerous cells on a daily basis. Many otherwise healthy older people die of pneumonia due to a less effective immune system. Your immune system can affect your longevity.

Enhance your outlook and boost your immune system:

1. Cortisol is an enemy of the immune system.

During times of stress, the level of cortisol rises in the body. The body recognizes this increase as an indicator of the fight or flight response and responds by limiting other body functions, including the immune system.

* Prolonged stress keeps the immune system in a compromised state, which increases the likelihood of getting sick.

2. Positive social interaction has the opposite effect.

Enjoying time with others has been shown to lower stress hormones and boost immune activity for several hours afterward. Get out and enjoy time with other people.

3. Listening to relaxing music or getting a massage is also beneficial.

Anything that's relaxing, without being harmful, seems to have a positive impact on immune function.

* Make a list of the activities that you find relaxing. Try to do a few of the items on your list each day. Ensure that you find a few items you can do in the car and at work.

4. Stress has also been shown to increase the risk of developing immune-based diseases.

These include arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, asthma, and lupus. In time, it's believed that science will show that many other diseases are influenced by stress.

5. Laughter has a powerful impact on immune function.

Record the shows that make you laugh and try to watch one each day.

Read a few jokes from a book or online during your breaks at work. Spend time with funny people! You'll get the benefit of positive social interaction and laughter.

6. Practice gratitude.

Giving yourself a little reminder of the great things in your life will boost your mood and your ability to fight disease.

This is a quick exercise that can turn your mindset around quickly.

7. Use positive affirmations to enhance your mood.

Positive thoughts lead to positive feelings. Repeat positive affirmations on a regular basis, especially during periods of stress.

Keep your mind occupied with something positive. Make a list of positive affirmations that resonate with you.

8. Be successful.

Experience success by setting goals you can reach. Big, audacious goals are great, but be sure to have a few easier goals, too.

Be happy with your small successes. Your immune system will reward you, too.

9. Exercise patience.

Impatience creates stress. Relax and make good use of the extra time.

The time will pass regardless of how you spend it. Take advantage of it and stay calm.

10. Be happy!

What makes you happy? Figure it out and spend more time doing it. Read, knit, dance, meditate, grill outdoors, go on a picnic.

These aren't frivolous things. They make life enjoyable and keep you healthy.

Avoid underestimating the impact your mood and mindset can have on your immune system. Optimism, happiness, fun, love, and success keep your immune system in good working order.

Scientists are only beginning to understand the impact of psychology on physiology. Being happy and positive doesn't just feel good, but it also strengthens your health.

The Surprising Connection Between Your Immune System and Your Personality

You might think that boosting your immune system is all about taking vitamin pills and watching your blood pressure.

The truth is that protecting yourself from illness depends on your mind as much as your body.

In fact, there's a growing field of science called psychoneuroimmunology that's devoted to how your personality and mood affect your immune system.

Discover what you can do to cultivate traits that help you stay healthy.

Stress and Your Immune System

Chronic stress may be responsible for as much as 90% of all doctor visits in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When stress hormones like cortisol remain present for too long, they can cause disruptions that lead to premature aging, heart conditions, and other issues.

1. Slow down.

Take a deep breath when you find yourself rushing around. Stretch out and release the tension.

2. Trim your to-do list.

Look for items that you can scratch off your agenda. Maybe you can do laundry only once a week.

3. Rest and relax.

Refresh your body and mind with high quality sleep and effective relaxation. Go to bed and rise at the same time each day. Take a walk or meditate when you need a break.

Loneliness and Your Immune System

Lack of social support can also undermine your immune system. Several studies have found higher levels of antibodies in participants who report being lonely, which suggests more viral activity.

1. Schedule get-togethers.

Prioritize time spent with friends. Set up a regular Tuesday morning coffee date or a Saturday afternoon tennis game.

2. Meet new friends.

Is your social circle shrinking? Take an accounting class or join a gardening club where you can find others who share your interests.

3. Leave home.

If you're feeling isolated working at home, take your laptop to an internet cafe. Strike up a conversation with someone in line or just enjoy watching the crowd.

Anger and Your Immune System

A Harvard University study found that hostility can decrease lung capacity, possibly due to stress hormones inflaming airways.

While angry outbursts or bottling up emotions can be hard on your heart and immune system, there are more constructive approaches.

1. Practice forgiveness.

Choose to let go of resentments. Cultivate compassion for yourself and others. Remember how much better you'll feel when you release the past.

2. Count to ten.

Pause before you say or do something you may regret. A few seconds maybe all you need to prevent a conflict with your boss or spouse.

3. Laugh more.

There are some issues worth battling for, and many others that you can safely overlook.

See your homeowner's association as entertaining rather than annoying when they try to dictate how many flowers you can plant.

Altruism and Your Immune System

Helping others causes physiological changes in your brain that make you happier and calmer. Good deeds strengthen your immune system and enhance your wellbeing.

1. Volunteer your time.

Even if money is tight, you can be generous with your time. Run errands for an elderly relative or sign up for a charity race.

2. Share your wisdom.

Let others benefit from your expertise. If you're a whiz at math, tutor school children who are struggling with fractions. Post your recipe for sourdough bread online.

3. Offer praise.

Brighten someone's day with a kind word. Tell your mail carrier how much you appreciate their services. Compliment a stranger on their attractive hairdo.

Recognizing the mind-body connection may help you to catch fewer colds and lower your risk for more serious illnesses.

For a longer and healthier life, protect your immune system by managing stress and connecting with others.

Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: Immune system guide and also download the free health report available there!

Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over 35 years and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.

Just send him a note on the form here - Contact Us - to request a personal no obligation one-on-one consultation with Warren

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