Physical Well-Being and Emotions

Though psychoneuroimmunology is a relatively new field, the link between physical well-being and emotions has been recognized by the medical field for centuries. Psychoneuroimmunology tends toward a holistic approach to well-being that considers body, mind, and spirit in connection with illness and disability. According to Mailoo and Williams (2004), psychoneuroimmunology is ôthe scientific study of the physiological two-way link between the mind and the immune systemö (7).

It is well documented that high levels of stress can have a deleterious impact on health, well-being, and the functioning of the immune system. From depression and low self-esteem to nervous breakdowns and burnout, high levels of stress undermine immune system functioning, making individuals more susceptible to a host of illnesses. In my own life, high levels of stress from going to school, working a full-time job, and caring for family have often had a negative impact on my mental disposition, sense of well-being, and health. High levels of stress have, at times, made me pay little attention to self-image or self-esteem. There have been days where I was unconcerned about my hygiene or dress, creating a sense of depression and fatigue in my demeanor. For one sustained period of time, my lack of ability to cope with stress caused me to remain depressed, fatigued, and experience an unusually high number of colds and headaches. I knew I needed to find some

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ughter and humor as healing agents. Certainly one feels much better when laughing than crying, though both can provide the benefits of stress release. However, I wondered if laughter and humor might serve healing and have curative powers beyond those typically considered. Humor is an important element of lifestyle and can be highly useful in dealing with stressful situations and environments. I began studying research on the therapeutic effects of laughter and humor and was pleasantly surprised to find a number of studies that show it has a powerful impact on psychological health and well-being, in addition to curative properties. One research project studied the use of laughter by patients who exhibited antisocial Type A personalities. The results of the study showed that ô40% of those known to have coronary heart disease in the group were found to use humor less often during adversity, and they also laughed lessö (Balick and Lee, 2003, 89). One research study tested two groups of patients experiencing myocardial infractions. The experimental group was instructed to watch 30 minutes of self-chosen humor on a daily basis as an adjunct to traditional therapy. The findings of the study showed that the group who had watched
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Approximate Word count = 1847
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page)

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