The state of mind and its relationship with the Immune System
The news that attracts the most attention are those that alarm human beings in some way. The media know it. It is a reality that fewer people read the newspapers or watch the news if they do not include some disaster, warning or pessimistic story.
Given the current situation, it is difficult to escape the continuous bombardment in relation to the difficult present and the uncertain future. However, the reality is that, as in most cases, fear can cause more harm than the actual situation.
The social alert that has been established in relation to the coronavirus, together with the confinement and the uncertainty about what will happen in the coming weeks or months, can cause a distorted risk perception that ends up manifesting symptoms of acute stress and generalized anxiety.
The difference between stress and anxiety is that the former maintains a clear and identifiable origin, the person perceives that they do not have the resources that are required to address the problem and feel overcome. The external factor is mainly the trigger for the abnormal situation. In the case of anxiety, there is also a feeling of threat or fear, but the origin is more diffuse. Negative feelings stem more from our rationalization of the information that comes to us, that is, the triggers are more internal, because they are developed taking into account our own biases and the way in which we process the information that we already have. The initial stress can give way to anxiety and the latter can even lead to depression, if it is maintained over time.
Chronic stress causes the body to present certain changes:
- Increases blood pressure
- Subtract energy
- Varies intestinal motility
- May impair the ability to memorize or remember
- Increases visible physical reactions on the skin (eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.)
- Cortisol is released which produces glycemia and other triggers that mobilize responses to facilitate fight or flight, but also an indirect inhibition of the immune system and reduction in the multiplication of T lymphocytes, above all.
This will lead to a depressed immune activity, which implies more infectious processes by opportunistic microorganisms, catarrhal symptoms and the possible appearance of autoimmune diseases. In addition, there is an increased retention of viruses and a decrease in NK cells, which are responsible for eliminating tumor cells and those infected by viruses.
Although we will expand on strategies for coping with stress and anxiety later, some quick tips are:
- Avoid added insulation. Being at home or confined by external imperatives does not mean that we cannot interact with other people thanks to modern means of communication. Talking with friends and loved ones by phone or video conference, about varied matters or funny situations can change our mood.
- Think positive. Even if we receive bad news, we can conclude that we will be able to overcome adversity and become more valuable and contributing people.
- Exercise, eat in moderation, stick to schedule guidelines, and get the necessary hours of sleep at night.
- Feed your mind by choosing stimulating material, funny movies, readings with examples of people who have overcome adversity, and anything else that helps you have a proactive and positive vision.
In relation to radionics, you can use the affirmation program that is included with your kit and the one related to psychological balancing. Exposure to both for a variable time (between 20 and 60 minutes usually) produces notable changes without the need for further intervention. Try yourself or others and see the difference.