How Stress Affects Your Immune System and How Massage Can Help
Stress is simply unavoidable, right? It’s just a part of life. Whether you have a demanding job, a family to take care of, a home to keep up with, or anything else in the everyday tasks of life, we’re all exposed to many stressors. We know stress isn’t good for us, but did you know it even affects your immune system? That’s because your brain and immune system are always communicating with each other.
Stress can be defined as a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work and obligations. When you’re “stressed out,” your body goes into “fight or flight” mode and releases stress hormones to help cope. That’s great when you’re in a life or death situation, as it gives you adrenaline to assist in protecting yourself. There is such a thing as good stress, the kind that does protect you physically, or even the smaller forms, like when you’re nervous for a job interview, test, or sporting event. That boost of energy can allow you to do things you never thought possible. These types of stressors can be positive because we can use them to our benefit, and they’re only present for a short period of time.
Stress becomes harmful when it’s chronic. Your immune system is the first line of defense in protecting your body from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Your organs, tissues, and cells all work together to fight harmful substances and protect you from getting sick. Stress can create chronic inflammation that harms these tissues, and at the same type suppresses the immune cells needed to fight infection. When your body’s in this ‘fight or flight’ mode, your body secretes the stress hormone cortisol. Normally it’s not a big deal when small bursts of stress are experienced. But chronically high levels of cortisol can suppress the immune system as well. This puts your body at higher risk for infection, disease, and acute illnesses. It also can slow down your body’s process of healing wounds and cause an exacerbation of underlying illnesses.
When you’re stressed for long periods of time, your body’s ability to fight off infections and potential dangers is highly diminished. Incorporating exercise, deep breathing, a healthy diet, regular massage, and other forms of self-care can all help to reduce your stress and allow your immune system to perform at its best. Regular massage in particular is extremely beneficial since research has shown that massage lowers cortisol levels, the exact hormone causing you inflammation and inhibiting your immune system. Massage really IS the antidote to stress! As an added benefit, when cortisol levels are lowered, serotonin, an anti-pain hormone, increases. Double win for massage!
Carving out time in your busy schedule is one way to find balance in our chaotic world. Schedule your “me time,” stick to it, and seek assistance should your stress level begin to affect your every day functioning. And remember, there are answers! Massage is one all natural way to manage your stress levels.
