Title: How does our emotional health affect our physical health? | Emotional Health - Sharecare
Headings: How does our emotional health affect our physical health?
How does our emotional health affect our physical health?
Michael B. Finkelstein, MD
Continue Learning about Emotional Health

Content: In this video, psychiatrist Drew Ramsey, MD, explains how our emotions play a large role in our physical health. John Douillard, DC
Herbal Medicine
From an Ayurvedic perspective, our emotional health is directly linked with our physical well-being. For instance, research shows that laughter increases a positive mood and boosts the body’s immune system. Science also shows that living life with a sattvic (or positive) attitude has a profound effect on our health by activating the parasympathetic (resting and digesting) nervous system, supporting us to heal and thrive. Conversely, stress and negative emotions activate the sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system. Too much stress can make it challenging for the healthy microbes in our gut to survive, which can affect our ability to deal with stressors and our digestion. Increased happiness levels have been shown to dramatically reduce hospital readmission rates related to patients with heart-related hospital stays. Similarly, optimists have been shown to have better recovery rates after surgeries, and in a study involving male war veterans, optimists showed healthier pulmonary function and reduced risk of cardiovascular issues than pessimists. Interestingly, longevity has also been shown to be linked with sharing your emotions. Other studies showed that writing a love letter significantly reduced total cholesterol levels in its authors, while expressing gratitude also boots our health and well-being.