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In the medical world, the state of mind is closely interlinked with the neurological system and ultimately our immune system.
Further, it is well explained in the study of psychoneuroimmunology which in summary states, our brain and immune system work in harmony with each other. What one feels affects the other. If the mind is in distress, hormones are released that cause the immune system to react to the stress. When the mind is at peace, hormones are released that cause the immune system to be at peace.
Numerous studies have now shown that stress can contribute to the development of diseases and poor health such as susceptibility to recurrent colds and flu, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, cancer, fungal infections and other autoimmune diseases.
It is important to say, each of us responds differently to different stress. A person can react to a leak on a roof with an equal level of response as another will react to a broken antique vase. None should judge the other. What is essential is the ability to overcome the stress and its negative effects.
In our current situation, jobs have been lost, the ability to provide for a home has been threatened. Children have been denied their freedom to socialise and release their pent-up energy that they used to utilise by playing. Much as these are all stressful conditions, the guidance is to avoid being overcome by the situation to the extent of affecting our physical health and making us have other unintended diseases.
Fortunately, the effects of stress on the immune system can be overcome with positive mood, humour, laughter, regular exercise and a well-balanced diet.
Some practical guidance would be to become an optimist, become aware of self-talk, employ healthy affirmations, set positive goals, ask positive questions for example, what am I most happy about in my life? Why does it make me happy? What am I grateful for?
This can be a perfect time to reflect on these things that will give hope and set the pace for the future when all these is said and done.
Source: Dr Edna Kerubo
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