The Healing Power of Connection

Having friends that we can trust is good for our mental health making us feel  more connected to the individuals we spend time with and to be at ease. Many people are not aware of how can social support affect our health and how strong our immune system is. A study called Psychoneuroimmunology which examines the impact of ideas, feelings, connection, and emotions on the body’s immune response to illness.

 

Health in Relationships

 

 

How Support Affects Immunity

Having close relationships with friends and family helps keep us from being sick. Dealing and overcoming stress is possible with the help of friends and family. When under stress the bodies release hormones like cortisol that can be helpful in low levels and  at the same time it can make our immune systems weaker and having the chance to get sick. Having someone to lean on when things go tough can help us stay strong and lessen our stress levels.

 

 

Scientific Evidence

Studies have revealed that persons who have strong social ties tend to have better immune systems. Researchers looked at blood proteins and found that people who live alone or don’t have many friends generally have higher levels of markers that are associated to inflammation and viral infection. Other research has looked at individuals getting chemotherapy and found that those with better social networks were less likely to get infections. The strength of our connections is also important. Being a part of different groups and communities, is good for you and has been linked to less inflammation.

 

Last Insights

The proof is clear that having a support system is vital for immune health. The best thing to do is making and keeping meaningful connections to stay strong and to lower stress. Being truly healthy isn’t just about what we eat and how much we move; it’s also about how well we get along with other people.