Immunity is not just about germs, but also about mental resilience

With autumn approaching, immunity will once again become a frequently mentioned concept.

If you ask how to strengthen your immunity? Don't expect a simple answer. Immunity is related to many systems in the body. Weakened immunity can then be one of the contributing causes of cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, neurological problems, bowel disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.

The immune system also helps us maintain internal homeostasis, which is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment. This is extremely important for our functioning and existence. Being able to balance our internal environment even when external conditions are constantly changing.

Therefore, it is very important to build a strong immune system. Good immunity is the foundation of our health because it is the first line of defense against harmful pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites and many others).

Immunity is also closely related to our psyche.

Mental resilience or psychological immunity is the ability of our mind to withstand stress, negative emotions and challenging life situations. It is similar to physical immunity, which protects our body from diseases. A strong psychological immunity helps us to cope better with life's challenges and maintain our mental well-being and equanimity. In today's hectic times, this ability is of utmost importance.

How to become a mentally resilient person ?

Let's look at it through the eyes of Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine sees our body as a whole. The physical and mental body are closely connected and an imbalance in one part will always cause an imbalance in the other.

The Roman poet Juvenalis came up with the idea that in a healthy body is a healthy spirit. If we strive to maintain a healthy body, we are highly likely to have a strong psyche and not just anything will upset us. And the reverse is also true. If we are not physically strong and resilient, we will not be resilient mentally. And vice versa. If we are stressed, experience our emotions strongly, or suppress them, our physical side will gradually begin to suffer. Always keep in mind that everything is very closely connected.

So if we build strong physical immunity, we will also strengthen our mental and overall resilience. This is easy to say, but in practice it is not so simple.

How to build strong psychological immunity?

Before we tell you how to do it, let's tell you which organs are responsible for our psychological immunity (resistance) according to Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine divides our body into five systems. And each system is commanded by one organ (also called "full organs" or Zang). These are the "bosses" that control absolutely everything in our body. Both the physical part and the mental part. Their inner strength and the harmonious relationship between them are responsible for our health, i.e. also for making us physically and mentally resilient.

Heart (Xin):

The heart is considered the seat of the soul (Shen) and is associated with the emotion of joy. When the Heart is in harmony, the mind is calm and balanced. Imbalance in the Heart can lead to anxiety, insomnia, palpitations and confusion. It is also good to note that each organ controls one of the five emotions, but all emotions are ultimately controlled by the Heart.

Liver (Gan):

The Liver is associated with the emotion of anger and is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi energy in the body. If this function is restricted, the Qi energy will begin to block and become the cause of many health problems. Both on a physical and psychological level. An imbalance in the Liver can cause irritability, feelings of tension, frustration and depression. A healthy Liver promotes decisiveness and courage.

Spleen (Pi):

The Spleen is associated with the emotions of thinking and worry. Its function is to convert food into Qi energy and blood. Which is the fuel for our body. Just as it digests food, it also digests all the stimuli that comes to us from the outside world. If the Spleen is weakened, not only does it not digest food, but it also processes external stimuli poorly. Which leads to various psychic imbalances. When the Spleen is in harmony, the mind is clear and able to focus. Imbalance leads to excessive thinking, ruminating, anxiety and mental fatigue.

Lung (Fei):

The lungs are associated with the emotions of sadness and grief. Healthy Lungs support proper breathing and the distribution of Qi energy throughout the body. Lung imbalances can cause melancholy, sadness and feelings of separation. The Lungs also control the skin and respiratory tract. Therefore, they are very closely related to our physical resilience.

Kidneys (Shen):

The kidneys are associated with the emotion of fear and are considered the foundation of life force and essence (Jing). Healthy Kidneys promote stress resistance and longevity. Imbalances can lead to feelings of insecurity, fear and weakness. People with weakened Kidney energy have problems with willpower and self-confidence.

In traditional Chinese medicine, there is one area that deals with prevention. Yang Sheng Fa, which translates as the Art of Cultivating Life.

The turtle is a kind of symbol of longevity. It normally lives to the age of 150. It walks peacefully through life as it stands steadily on 4 legs:

healthy eating, quality food and adherence to the basic words of Chinese medicine - proportionality.
on adequate physical activity and adequate rest
on quality and sufficient sleep
on appropriate emotions and control of them

If we keep these four areas in harmony, we will live a long and healthy life.

Practical advice for mental resilience.

Move regularly:

Physical activity releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress. Try to set aside time each day to walk, run or exercise. Qi Gong or Tai Ji are excellent.

Control your emotions and thoughts:

Thoughts and emotions are often like a herd of stampeding horses. If they are excessive, prolonged or suppressed, they can also cause health problems. That's why it's good to look at them as something that doesn't belong to you, that isn't you. Try to observe them, describe them, but don't let them control you. Just let them flow freely.

Make peace:

Accept that life isn't always easy and doesn't turn out the way we plan it. This is reality. No shortcuts or secrets work. Sometimes we just have to live through something. But don't worry, everything that happens to us has meaning to us. Things happen for us to understand something, to learn something, to make a difference. And it's always good and important for us.

Eat real food:

Eat unprocessed food. Eat varied, good quality food on a regular basis. Don't overeat. If you are healthy, you can eat almost anything. Reasonably. Try to adapt your diet to the season, your age and your workload.

Give yourself realistic goals:

Set clear, achievable goals and work towards them one step at a time. Small achievements boost self-esteem and motivation. It's a good idea to keep a regular diary. This will help a lot with controlling thoughts and even emotions. In the evening, evaluate your day and look forward to what the days ahead will bring.

Think positive:

Try to focus on the positive aspects of life and avoid negative thinking. Gratitude and positive affirmations can improve your mental state.

Get enough sleep:

Sufficient and quality sleep is crucial for the recovery of the body and mind. According to Chinese medicine, regeneration and cleansing of the body occurs at night. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable environment for sleep. It is important to get as much sleep as possible before midnight.

Limit stress:

Learn stress management techniques such as planning, time management and relaxation activities. Set aside time to relax and take up hobbies you enjoy. It's good to try to build resilience against fear, but also try to avoid stressful situations. Which is not easy in today's hectic world.

Maintain good relationships:

This, for us, is the most important point of all. Good relationships are a very important aspect of your health. Probably the most important. People deal a lot with food and their emotions, but they don't have time to visit their sick grandmother. Put down the phones and the virtual world. Be with your loved ones in the here and now. It's extremely important to you.

Be happy:

People today have trouble being content and grateful. We are spoiled and do not appreciate the joys of ordinary life. Try to change this. There are always things to be grateful for that can make you feel content.

Meditate regularly:

A regular practice of mindfulness or meditation helps to calm the mind, increase focus and reduce anxiety. Try to find a few minutes each day to meditate or breathe deeply. Or at least allow yourself to sit down for a while, do nothing and just "stare at the stupid".

Eat mushrooms:

Mushrooms, and especially vital mushrooms, are the best natural immune system stimulants. They help us adapt to the ever-changing conditions around us. And besides physical immunity, they also help with mental resilience. Not only do they ward off the attack of viruses and bacteria, but also the various mental pests that "attack" us daily from the media or from negative people.

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Immunity is not just about germs, but also about mental resilience

Immunity is also closely related to our psyche.

How to become a mentally resilient person ?

How to build strong psychological immunity?

Practical advice for mental resilience.

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