Stress and the Immune System

Stress, it is a killer. We’ve all felt its effects; the fatigue, the fever, the loss of appetite, and in my case acid reflux. We often overlook these things thinking they’ll go away on its own as if they were symptoms to a common cold.

                Although chances are that the symptoms are, considering the strain your immune system is under, that of a cold other roles can also influence stress therefore your health. Many studies have shown that continued stress creates havoc on your health however studies have also shown that short terms of stress improve performance.

                For example, someone who lives in a stressful environment say a demanding job, unappreciative spouse, troublesome kids, etc. is more likely to decline in his performance of his day to day activities, his health would also start to decline and would only lead to depression, aches and pains fatigue, and concentration difficulties. Also, if a person who is already sick stressing out would only prolong the duration of the illness. Studies show that patients who are stressed take longer to recuperate than those without stress.

                There are ways in which a person can reduce the stress in their lives. Meditation and yoga are great examples of relaxation as well as exercise; exercise is a great way to reduce stress because it helps reduce anxiety and improves health. A way to look for stress reducers is by seeing stress as a mind and body problem rather than just the mind or the body separately.