Developing An Immune Competent Personality

Investigations from newest and exciting field of science, called psychoneuroimmunology, (study of the relationship between mind, emotions, neuroendocrine system and immune system) brings though provoking new information about a type of personality that we can develop to keep us healthy and young. It's called the immune power personality.

Quite a few people have generally heard of type A and B personalities. At times when you have impatiently weaved your way through traffic or been upset about not having enough time; someone has charged you of being a type A. Maybe someone has noted that you have no sense of urgency and are too lazy, which got you labeled a Type B. There are numerous other personality categories such as the Myers-Briggs based on the research of psychologist Carl Jung, and the Enneagram, which explains 9 types, both of which are widely used in psychotherapy and personal growth work. Additionally, in psychopathology, there are numerous personality disorders described such as Excessive Preoccupation With Your Own Self, Dependent, Introvertedness and Obsessive Compulsive personalities.

The common wisdom is that personality characteristics are difficult to change. They are essentially the foundation to one's behavior. The good news about the immune power personality is that this is one that you can cultivate. The traits of this type personality were designed using the research of 7 famous psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) researchers from 7 top universities.

To make these easier to remember, I have developed these concepts into the acronym, HEAL. To HEAL means to be WHOLE. Completeness is created by initiating a connection with all the characteristics of your body and soul, other beings, and your spiritual personality.

1. Hardiness Control, Commitment, and Challenge
Do you feel in control of your life? Are you committed to certain life goals, creative contests or relationships. Are you capable to change a problem into a challenge? People with this type of attitude appear to face fewer major health issues and have stronger immunity.

2. Esteem
Question yourself, how do you feel about yourself? Do you know your capabilities? Do you like who you are? Those of us who know their capabilities are capable of leading stressful life situations and are less at a lesser risk to suffer from ill health.

3. Awareness - Expression of Body Signals
Think about this for yourself. When you face pain or stress, can you feel it? Do you realize when you are gloomy, upset or happy and can you express these emotions? Or do you ignore them and keep on going? Researchers have found that those who are alert into mindbody feelings of discomfort, fatigue, distress, sorrow and pleasure get by better psychologically, have improved immune response, and healthier cardiovascular systems.

4. Love Relationships, Helping
Research also indicates that those who have good associations, and extend and get unconditional love become sick less often, and live healthy. People dedicated to helping others often experience the "helpers" high, which is not only emotional and spiritual, but physical as well. Love is the great healer of many problems, emotional, mental and physical.

How does one nurture these traits? Let's look at some of the ways.

Hardiness

1. Identify your stressors and learn where you do have and can gain control in your life.
2. Find something to commit yourself to which will give life meaning.
3. Think "Yes". Experience the strength of positive thought.
4. Build a belief in "I can."
5. Understand that you are in charge of your life.

Esteem

1. Develop strong social connections and friends.
2. Acknowledge your deeds.
3. Participate in therapy or groups.
4. Explore and establish spiritual practices.
5. Learn to substitute negative thought loops with positive beliefs.
6. Consider empathizing and accepting yourself in the way you might care for others.

Awareness

1. Engage in relaxation, prayer, meditation or simple walking exercise and understand to the messages of the body.
2. Find a good yoga class or video tap and practice daily
3. Take plenty of talk time with family.
4. Write in a diary.

Love

1. Give and ask for time and attention to family and pals.
2. Give of your timeand your own gifts to others.
3. Give and receive touch.
4. Learn to love yourself.

Enjoy a long healthy life as you develop the traits that give you an immune power personality!

Taffy Clark Pelton is a Certified Mindful Coach & Therapist. She is a licensed professional counselor, Psychotherapist and trained life coach.