#185: LUPUS: How Do Emotions Affect Your Immune System?

QUIZ: How Do Emotions Affect Your Immune System?

Bet you didn't know I was going to start this entry off with a pop quiz!

One of the main ways to prevent a lupus flare is to "manage stress".

I rather disagree with this approach.

I prefer to avoid stress whenever possible.

Many lupus patients discover that there are so many events that occur every single day in our lives that are just not worth getting upset over.

With limited resources of energy, you will learn (if you haven't already) that you have to choose very carefully where that energy will be allowed to go.

Avoiding stress does not mean shirking responsibilities or hiding away in a cave... well maybe for some of us that may be the only option.

Avoiding stress is actually a state of mind.

Avoiding stress means changing the way you choose to think about things... especially the things that you have absolutely no control over.

Avoiding stress means surrendering relationships that are toxic to you.

Avoiding stress means forgiving yourself, frequently and thoroughly, for being only human.

Avoiding stress means choosing to use your precious moments to truly being present in the moment... be it a board game with family, a bite of chocolate, or the soft comfort of a pet.

Okay... I know it is not as simple as this.

That is why I emphasize the need to approach health as a spiritual journey.

Even before lupus knocked me on my tuckus (oooh... a rhyme!)

when I could counsel people, I would work with them on addressing all the paths to healing:

*the physical self

*the emotional self (or the mind)

*the spiritual self

And I would use the analogy of a three legged stool, each part representing one leg of the stool. When one aspect is off, the whole thing gets knocked out of balance... and the stool won't work.

Stress attacks all aspects of our being.

A little stress is okay... it gets you fired up, it gets you to do what you are supposed to do, it keeps you going, and it makes sure you pay your bills.

Too much stress can knock down your immune system, overwhelm your emotional life, and deprive your energy needed for spiritual growth.

If you would like to spend some time thinking more about this topic...

1) Create thirty minutes to spend alone with quiet.

2) Make a list of everything that is currently stressing you out (you may need more than 30 minutes)

3) Take a look at your stress list. There are going to be three categories:

* Basket A

* Basket B

* Basket C

Basket A = anything that you have absolutely no control over

Basket B = anything that you have some (but not all) control over

Basket C = things that are in your control

MORE TO COME....