Want to fight disease and feel happier? Experts say be kind and control anger

Author, lecturer and self-help advocate Dr. Wayne Dyer says acts of kindness boost the immune system, increase happiness and benefit both the giver and receiver of kindness.

“The positive effect of kindness on the immune system and on the increased production of serotonin in the brain has been proven in research studies. Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance in the body that makes us feel more comfortable, peaceful, and even blissful. In fact, the role of most anti-depressants is to stimulate the production of serotonin chemically, helping to ease depression.

Research has shown that a simple act of kindness directed toward another improves the functioning of the immune system and stimulates the production of serotonin in both the recipient of the kindness and the person extending the kindness. Even more amazing is that persons observing the act of kindness have similar beneficial results. Imagine this! Kindness extended, received, or observed beneficially impacts the physical health and feelings of everyone involved!”

Do negative and hostile feelings suppress the immune system? Apparently so. CBS reports that Dr. Redford Williams, author of The Trusting Heart and Anger Kills, has spent over 20 years studying the impact of the mind and emotions on health. He concludes that hostility, in the long run, is a threat to health. Dr. Williams believes anger can and should be controlled. “Getting angry is like taking a small dose of slow-acting poison.”

There is evidence that the immune system might be weaker in hostile people. A 25-year study of more than 1,000 people at a factory in Chicago found those with high hostility scores were at a high risk of dying from heart disease and cancer. Adrenaline and cortisol might cause the immune system to go into a holding pattern.

So to boost your immune system and be happier, be kind and practise anger management.