The immune system is one of the most critical curators of our physical wellness. It is our defense system that works to protect us from invaders like viruses or bacteria. It is so precisely designed that it can distinguish between harmful unwanted pathogens and our own healthy cells and tissue. If our immune system is weakened, perhaps as a result of chronic stress or invading pathogens, our whole body system won’t operate as usual.
Psychologists in the field of "psychoneuroimmunology" have shown that state of mind affects one's state of health due to the belief that the brain is intimately connected to every organ in the body, especially the immune system. For stress of any significant duration, all aspects of immunity go downhill and the whole system becomes overwhelmed.
Ongoing stress makes us susceptible to illness and disease because the brain sends defense signals to the endocrine system, which then releases an array of hormones that not only gets us ready for emergency situations but severely depresses our immunity at the same time. Psychology Today states that stress is responsible for as much as 90% of all illnesses and diseases, including cancer and heart disease. The way it does this is by triggering chemical reactions and flooding the body with Cortisol and Adrenaline that, among other things, decreases the needed inflammation, decreases white blood cells and NK cells (special cells that kill cancer), increases tumor development and growth, and increases the rate of infection and tissue damage.
It is important to be aware of the simple day-to-day stress and incorporate some mind-body therapies to help reverse it. Practicing mindfulness helps to increase self-esteem that lowers symptoms of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness also combats the anxiety-inducing effects of negative thinking. Relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are certain meditative practices that help to treat, or reduce the severity of the disease (William Bushell). Studies are just now exploring research into the potential anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and anti-infectious properties of meditation and yoga practices. I learned in a recent Stress & Health Management class different ways of practicing mindfulness including yoga, observed breathing, positive thinking, and meditation. By making them a normal part of our lives, they become a buffer that guards against the breakdown of the immune system. I incorporate mindfulness meditation into my daily routine, preferably in the morning, and have seen significant changes in my body’s ability to fight off sickness.
William Bushell, Ryan Castle, Michelle A. Williams, Kimberly C. Brouwer, Rudolph E. Tanzi, Deepak Chopra, and Paul J. Mills. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.20 20.0177.
