Prevention Magazine listed the Top 10 Worst Things for Your Immune System, which included classic items such as not getting enough sleep, not getting enough exercise, and smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. But half of the items were related to stress:
- Remaining in a state of chronic stress without taking a few moments to relax. Many of the sources of stress in our lives are outside of our control, but we can choose to take very brief breaks from stress throughout the day. As Etty Hilsum wrote, “Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” We don’t need to swing from one extreme of high stress during the day, to the opposite extreme of mindless TV watching at the end of the day. Small breaks throughout the day can help balance out each 24-hour cycle.
- Losing touch with friends. As stress levels rise, we sometimes drift away from our social connections, which can have a negative impact on our immune system. As Dr. Irwin Sarason stated, “Good friends are good for your health.” Stay connected!
- Taking things too seriously. How many times have you devoted extra time and energy to a stressful project, even making some sacrifices on its behalf, only to see the project eventually scrapped altogether? We put our health at risk when we focus so intently on one area of life that we lose a broader perspective and even our sense of humor. As Elbert Hubbard wrote, “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”
- Taking a pessimistic viewpoint. Researchers have found a positive attitude to be linked with better health and even a longer life! Even as stress levels rise, we all have small things to be grateful for. As one author wrote, “The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles.”
- Lashing out at loved ones. They always say we hurt the ones we love the most. When feeling overwhelmed by stress, it’s easy to take out that stress on our loved ones. But hurting them only hurts ourselves, and that can be measured physically in the human body. Prevention Magazine noted, “Couples who frequently use sarcasm, insults, and put-downs have fewer virus-fighting natural killer cells, have higher levels of stress hormones, and take up to 40% longer to recover from injuries than those who manage to stay positive and affectionate during their quarrels.” By protecting your loved ones, you protect your own health.
Wishing you balanced responses to stress and good health!
Dear Dr.Deb
Loving Namaste!
Liked the present article very timely and useful.
I will be recommending to my wife and daughter,also !They symptomatically need it!Hope they take atleast you!seriously!As they say in India-"Gher ka jogi jogia.Ann Gawn ka sunt!For people,their own home town Yogi is 'jogi'(not great),The Yogi of other village is Saint!(really great!).
It happens with doctors also!,when it comes to treat their own family memebers!I think you to must have experienced this!Closeness often distort vision!
Congrats! once again for this very good/useful post!
With Love & best wishes!
@run
Thanks so much for your wise comment, @run! Happy, healthy blessings to you and your family!
Peace and love,
Deb