Stress and stress processing: the impact on the immune system

Impact of stress on the immune system

Stress activates the body to produce stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. When these hormones are elevated for long periods of time, they suppress the immune system, making it less effective in defending against disease. This makes us more susceptible to infections, inflammation and other health problems.

Dealing with negative stress

People use different strategies to cope with negative stress, which can be divided into positive and negative coping methods:

Positive coping:

• Exercise: Running, walking or exercising to reduce stress and relax the mind.
• Hobbies: Activities that provide pleasure and relaxation, such as painting, gardening or making music.
• Relaxation exercises: Meditation, breathing exercises or yoga to quiet the mind.
• Healthy habits: Good nutrition, adequate sleep and regular rest periods.

Negative coping:

• Excessive drinking or drug use: Alcohol and drugs as a way to temporarily relieve stress.
• Gambling: Compulsive gambling as an escape mechanism, despite its harmful effects on health and well-being.
• Smoking: Excessive smoking as a coping mechanism, which negatively affects health.
• Sleep deprivation: Neglect of sleep due to persistent stress.

Example: gambling addiction

Compulsive gambling is a clear example of negative coping. Although gambling can provide short-term relaxation, it leads to serious health problems both physical (such as trembling, sweating and stomach pain) and psychological (such as depression, impulsivity and anxiety disorders).

Conclusion

It is important to address stress in a healthy way to avoid negative effects on the immune system. Through positive coping strategies such as exercise, relaxation exercises and healthy habits, we can reduce the impact of stress on our bodies. Here, reducing stress hormones through adequate relaxation plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system and promoting our overall health.