The Gifts of the Season: Health and Happiness

As this year draws to a close, and as we anticipate the promise and potential of the new year ahead, it is almost inevitable that we will gather with friends and family to celebrate.  For most of us, these reunions will be comforting, filled with the happiness of the season and the pleasure that comes with spending time in the company of those that know and care for us. We think of these moments with our close friends and family as times of great pleasure but they are also tremendously important for our health and well being.  

Indeed, over the past few decades, research scientists have begun compiling an impressive body of evidence revealing how powerfully our emotions and social affect impact our physical health.   Of course, the consequence of negative emotions like anger, jealousy, loneliness, or anxiety, for example, has been recognised for decades.  Significant research has been done, for example, assessing the connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the onset of adult illnesses.  Hustedde, in an analytical review of that work, writes that ‘(a)dverse childhood experiences are clearly linked to high-risk health behaviors and multiple chronic diseases.’  The impact of positive emotion, however, has been investigated seriously only for the last ten or fifteen years.  However, early research has confirmed that positive emotions can also have a profound  influence on our immune system. 

Recall that the human immune system is a finely tuned orchestra of cells and molecules working together to protect the body from invaders. Emerging research suggests that positive emotions, such as joy, happiness, and love, contribute to immunological harmony. When we experience these emotions, our bodies respond by releasing neuropeptides and other biochemical substances that enhance the activity of immune cells.

Positive emotions can also trigger a cascade of chemical reactions in the body, leading to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins. These "feel-good" chemicals not only elevate our mood but also exert a positive influence on our immune system. Studies have shown that individuals with a more positive emotional outlook tend to have higher levels of immune cells, including T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which play crucial roles in identifying and eliminating potential threats.

Another of the ways in which positive emotions benefit the immune system is by mitigating stress. Chronic stress has been linked to the suppression of immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Positive emotions act as a natural stress antidote, reducing the production of stress hormones and promoting a more balanced immune response.  Meditation, too, seems to enhance the consequences of positive emotion.  Dr. Richie Davidson, a neuroscientist at the University of Wisconsin, suggests that the reasons why may be many-fold.  While meditation seems to actively reduce stress, he suggests that it also facilitates the behavioural changes that are needed to develop other positive health-promoting practices.  

But while meditation may support positive behaviour change, laughter is often described as the ‘best’ medicine. Apparently,  the act of laughing stimulates the production of endorphins and other immune-enhancing substances. Laughter has also been shown to facilitate the ‘undoing’ of negative emotions and their impact on cardiovascular (dys)function.  So, the next time you find yourself caught in a fit of laughter, know that you're not only enjoying the moment but also giving your immune system a healthy boost.

Of course, positive emotions often go hand in hand with strong social connections. Certainly, the support and companionship we derive from meaningful relationships have a profound impact on our immune system. Feeling loved and connected activates neural pathways that positively influence immune function. Conversely, social isolation and loneliness have been associated with a weakened immune response. Cultivating positive social connections, therefore, becomes an essential aspect of maintaining immunological resilience.

All of this means that the end-of-the-year holidays, while they may create new burdens and responsibilities, also tend to bring enormous benefit to us all.  Simply to be with ‘your people’ is reassuring and comforting, and certainly, it results in beneficial change for your biomarkers.  In short, while life can indeed be stressful, it is almost always easier with family and friends.  So, enjoy these beautiful days.   Happy New Year to all! 

Yours in Health and Happiness,

Sarah