4 May, 2015

Here's how personality can decides your health

How well your immune system can fight infection may depend on your personality, new research led by an Indian-origin scientist has found.

Extroverts, individuals who we would expect to be exposed to more infections as a result of their socially orientated nature are likely to have stronger immune systems to deal effectively with infection than those who are more cautious, the findings showed.

"Our results indicated that 'extraversion' was significantly associated with an increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes and that 'conscientiousness' was linked to a reduced expression of pro-inflammatory genes," said professor Kavita Vedhara from University of Nottingham.

The findings support long-observed associations between aspects of human character, physical health and longevity.

The researchers examined the relationship between certain personality traits and the expression of genes which can affect our health by controlling the activity of our immune systems in a group of 121 ethnically diverse and healthy adults.

The study used highly sensitive microarray technology to examine the relationship between five major human personality traits and two groups of genes active in human white blood cells (leukocytes) - one involving inflammation and another involving antiviral responses and antibodies. The participants completed a personality test which measures five major dimensions of personality - extraversion, neuroticism, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness.

"Individuals who we would expect to be exposed to more infections as a result of their socially orientated nature (i.e., extroverts) appear to have immune systems that we would expect can deal effectively with infection," Vedhara pointed out.

"While individuals who may be less exposed to infections because of their cautious/conscientious dispositions have immune systems that may respond less well," she added.

The study appeared in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

04.05.2015

Here's how to calm your Monday in 5 minutes!

Not all of us are adept at tackling stress — some go the junk food way or on a shopping spree, while others play online games, watch TV or binge drink. 

Studies have revealed that you could de-stress by actually altering your brain processes and triggering the release of happy hormones. Practice these for a few minutes...

Tranquility is directly proportional to breathing:

When you focus on measured deep breathing, your heart rate slows down and the mind relaxes. Your exhalation should be longer than your inhalation.

Let out your natural anti-depressants:

exercise for a few minutes (jump, jog) to increase your heart rate. This releases neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that work as anti-depressants and calm you down.

Indulge in self-praise and hug yourself:

Repeating positive affirmations and actually hugging yourself in delight can relieve stress instantly. Touch (even your own) releases biochemicals that can trigger a sense of well-being and bliss.

Why you need to avoid stress

Stress triggers cortisol. High levels of this hormone can increase your risk for depression, mental illness, interfere with learning and memory, and lead to weight gain. It can lower life expectancy by affecting bone density, increasing blood pressure, and also lead to heart disease

Source: www.timesofindia.com

04.05.2015

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light

Aristotle Onassis