If there was ever a time to strengthen our immune system, it’s now. The healthier our bodies, the more we’re able to resist infections. So what can we do to boost our immunity despite the lifestyle limitations we’re currently facing?
Quit Smoking to Support Your Immune System
The obvious thing is to not smoke there’s never been a better time to quit — because not only does smoking weaken our immune system, people who smoke get much sicker if they get the coronavirus. And even if you only smoke one cigarette a day, it significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Seek Out Positive Emotions
An important little-known factor that keeps our immune system robust is experiencing positive emotions. That does not mean forcing yourself to be upbeat if you don’t genuinely feel it. Don’t fake it. What it means is to actively seek out things that will lift your mood. Whether it’s listening to music, watching comedy, phoning a friend, playing a board game or reading your favourite book.
What the Research Says
An experiment at the University of California in Los Angeles, involved drama students who were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. The first group worked with depressing scripts all day long and were asked to recall times in their lives when they felt unhappy. The second group was given uplifting scripts or comedy to perform. Throughout the day, doctors took blood samples and tracked their white cell count (an indication of the strength of their immune system.) By the end of the day, the students working with depressing scripts had a significant drop in their white blood cells indicating that their immune system had been weakened. Those working with happy scripts maintained a healthy white cell count. So the message is to continue to find things that bring a smile to your face. And this leads to another benefit: When we feel positive, we’re more motivated to help others which makes us feel even better and we create an ongoing positive upward spiral.
Immune System FAQs
Q. How can I strengthen my immune system?
A. The healthier your body, the better it can resist infection. Quitting smoking, seeking out genuine positive emotions and looking after your overall wellbeing all help.
Q. Do positive emotions really affect immunity?
A. Yes. As Helena describes above, experiencing genuine positive emotions is an important, little-known factor that helps keep your immune system robust.
Q. What’s the single best thing I can do?
A. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most powerful choices you can make — smoking weakens the immune system and significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Thank you, Helena. Definitely a good read and will be staying positive for myself and others
Great tips, thanks Helena