Based on advanced research, we find that what we think about and what we feel have far-ranging effects on our immune system.
A critical part of our immune system includes the natural killer or NK cells. These are a type of lymphocyte and an essential player in the war on invading harmful microbes and mounting an immune attack to combat these bad microbes. NK cells are known to be protective against cancer. However, some studies have documented that the less active your NK cells are, the more rapid cancer progression and the more it spreads throughout the body.
And guess what?
These important NK cells respond to your mood.
The most important emotion to boost these NK cells is LAUGHTER.
When you feel good, optimistic, and happy, your NK cells multiply exponentially!
If you are a known pessimist, there is still hope for you.
A study at the University of California showed that actors who spent time performing depressing movie scenes had a decreased immune responsiveness. On the other hand, actors who performed roles where they were uplifting had increased immune responsiveness. So the moral of the story is something called, Fake it till you make it. Yes, even if you don’t feel happy, act as you do! Your body’s immune system will reward you for it.
Here is a good punch list to improve your mood and, of course, boost your NK cells: These include: watching funny movies, making music or listening to uplifting music, coloring in books, walking in the woods, going to a comedy show, spending time with good uplifting friends to something as simple as taking a soaking bath with relaxing herbs.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12652882
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11712080
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100426113058.htm