Cold And Flu Season Is Just Around The Corner
Is Your Immune System Ready For The Fight?
While we all prepare to be indoors more often, and to wash our hands incessantly, there is another area of our lives that we need to address to maintain healthy immune function.
When we experience ongoing issues such as financial troubles, relationship problems, or a high-pressure job we are experiencing “chronic stress”. When we’re constantly exposed to these types of stressors, our bodies release a continuous stream of stress hormones, which can wreak havoc on our immune system.
One of the primary ways chronic stress affects immunity and the immune system is by suppressing its function. Stress hormones, like cortisol, can weaken the immune response, making it harder for the body to fend off infections and illnesses. Chronic stress can disrupt the balance of immune cells in our bodies and can lead to an overproduction of pro-inflammatory immune cells and a decrease in anti-inflammatory cells. Chronic stress indeed compromises our immune system’s ability to function optimally.
Stress and Immunity: It’s a Vicious Cycle
Managing stress can be challenging, particularly if you already have a weakened immune system. And being more susceptible to infections and illnesses can further aggravate our stress level. This vicious cycle can be it fairly difficult for our immune system to recover.
To break this stress and immunity cycle, it’s crucial to manage chronic stress effectively. Strategies such as mindfulness meditation, regular exercise, and seeking support from friends and therapists can help mitigate the effects of chronic stress on the immune system.
Read here about the 5 Conversations You Need To Have with Your Therapist About Stress.
By managing chronic stress and implementing stress-reduction techniques, we can better protect our immune system and promote overall health. Remember, a balanced and resilient immune system is our first line of defense against illnesses, making it worth the effort to reduce chronic stress in our lives.
