Emotions and Immune Systems

An experiment done with the drama department at UCLA shows the effect of emotions on the immune system. All of the actors practiced method acting (recalling an experience from your past which hold the same emotions as the situation in the script). The experiment lasted a full day, during which time one group of actors performed using only happy memories, the other only sad.

The researchers took periodic blood samples from all the subjects, continually looking for immune “competence.” Those people who had been working with happy and uplifting scripts all day had healthy immune systems. Those people who had been working with depressing scripts all day showed a marked decrease in immune responsiveness.

So the next time you are feeling out of sorts, try "faking it" by thinking of a happier time. It's good for your health!