Our Emotions are Silently Making us Sick

Our mind always interacts with our body. For example, when we are tensed, we sweat more and experience faster heartbeats. Psychologists relate happiness, hopefulness and optimism to reduced risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases and depression to heart diseases, diabetes and many other illnesses.

Let us evaluate how much our emotions are affecting our health.

Emotion 1: People Pleaser

Such people spend most of their time and energy in satisfying others. Since they confirm to other peoples’ wants, they no longer have their own identity. It gradually leads to irritation and poor self worth.

Effect on health: Such people are more prone to depression and anxiety.

Remedy: Learn to say “No” and know that you are free to make your own choices too. The next time someone asks you for a favour, say that you’ll need to think about it. Just know one thing – you just cannot satisfy everyone. Don’t sacrifice your happiness and life just to satisfy others and making them happy. I don’t say that don’t care for others’ happiness – I simply say that think about yourself as well – After all you are your first responsibility. Love yourself

Emotion 2: Argumentative

Such people try to prove themselves right always and argue on small issues.

Effect on health: Argumentative women are likely to experience hardening of the arteries, while men are likely to suffer from atherosclerosis, both leading to heart problems.

Curb the urge to argue: Commit to yourself not to argue unnecessarily – you will be doing a big favour to yourself. Think of what have you achieved by arguing so much – is it worth the stress that you have taken by arguing so much. Think of how beautiful life would be when you no longer get angry every now and then – When you get angry on someone, you are actually punishing yourself, because you get robbed of your happiness – you are no longer able to enjoy that moment and that part of your life is wasted. And believe me life is too short to be wasted. Just leave these petty things behind and start afresh – live life to the fullest – Try to stay happy always no matter what happens in life.

Emotion 3– Impulsive

Such people are more impulsive in nature and react to situations without thinking much. They make their decisions without thinking through it properly and expect quick results and when that does not happen, they get frustrated.

Effect on our health: Researchers have found that such people constantly secrete the stress hormone cortisol. This leads to higher amounts of stomach acid, further leading to ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

How to control: Think of the last time when you acted impulsively – how did you feel after that? Was it a pleasant feeling? If not then why do that again and spoil the mood. Make a commitment to yourself that you wont do it again. Next time whenever you are in a situation that is forcing you to act impulsively, try to suppress the emotion and think of what happened last time. It would take some time to implement it but with time you will be able to gain control.

Emotion 4 – Shy

Such people feel uncomfortable around others or in large groups. They rarely speak up. This leads to suppressing oneself and bottling up of feelings.

Effect on health: Such people may be at an increased risk of getting infected with viral infections and common cold as it impacts immune system functions.

How to shake away shyness: Start small. Begin with eye contact, a smile, confident body language and small talk with people you know. Write down what you want to say and rehearse it out aloud. Find group activities where you can be with people who share your interests. It’ll help you open up.

Emotion 5– Neurotic

Such people are used to finding faults in everything and are emotionally reactive and prone to stress. Small issues seem threatening to them and they make mountain out of a molehill.

Effect on health: Prolonged severe stress impairs the brain and body cells, which gives rise to multiple physiological disorders and increases the risk of heart attacks. Stress causes permanent biochemical imbalances, which impact the other parts of body as well.

How to control such emotion: Spend time with yourself by meditating regularly - Try to understand where your anxiety is stemming from. Contemplate on what have you achieved by pondering over such petty issues in life – Nothing. It has simply robbed you of your happiness. So why repeat the same mistake. Why not ignore such things and keep your mind free and relaxed. Feed your mind with good thoughts, and they will be passed on to your body. Exercising regularly may also help.

Conclusion: Stress is a major cause of most of the illnesses around the world and in this busy world, it sometimes gets difficult for us to take out time and think about it. This is a small effort from my side in reminding the community of the horrible effects of stress on our body. Let us learn to manage stress and live a healthy and happy life.

Please let me know your views and concerns in the comments below.