Pro-Active Health

In the wake of the mess of 2020, we seem to have forgotten a truth about how our health is truly affected by our attitude.

There are really only 2 emotions: Love and Fear.  All other emotions stem from one or the other.

Worry, Anger, Hate, Anxiety, even Sadness for the most part – is really a Fear of something or someone

Compassion, Happiness, Contentment, Joy - are all forms of Love

One causes illness to take place in our bodies; the other starts the healing.

Scientifically, Fear causes stress which our autonomic nervous system in our body reacts to by sending out adrenaline and cortisol hormones to which other organs in our body react to. These stress hormones are the same ones that trigger your body’s “fight or flight” response. Your heart races, your breath quickens, and your muscles ready for action. This response was designed to protect your body in an emergency by preparing you to react quickly. But when the stress response keeps firing, day after day, it puts your health at serious risk. And although, you may not continue to feel the ‘heart racing’ or muscles tensing, when you are mentally still in Fear, these hormones are still flooding your body organs.  {And by the way, when they are really needed to react quickly, that action = exercise for the organs & muscles which then uses up those hormones}

“Love” emotions release endorphins which not only make us feel euphoric and are the body’s natural pain killers, but also helps the body create antioxidants which have the power to neutralize free radicals so they are unable to damage cells. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high in the body. They lower our immune system and are linked to multiple illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The 1988 Bobby McFerrin song, “Don’t worry. Be Happy” has more meaning with this understanding of how our body works. Perhaps in this new year, a new resolution should be to pay more attention to “Acting” instead of “Reacting” to the Fear of getting sick.  “Act” on building our immune systems: eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise, and Don’t worry. Be Happy!

Donna Smith, with input from healthline.com