Immune Competent Personality

Research from newest and exciting field of science, called psychoneuroimmunology, (study of the relationship between mind, feelings, neuroendocrine system and immune system) comes interesting new information about a type of personality that we can create to make us robust and young. It's called the immune power personality.

Quite a few people have generally heard of type A and B personalities. Perhaps when you have impatiently sped through traffic or been upset about not having enough time; other people have told you of being a type A. Or perhaps someone has complained that you have no sense of urgency and are too slow, which got you labeled a Type B. There are many other personality typologies such as the Myers-Briggs based on the work of psychologist Carl Jung, and the Enneagram, which advises 9 types, both of which are widely used in psychotherapy and personal growth initiatives. Moreover, in psychopathology, there are number of personality issues described such as Excessive Preoccupation With Your Own Self, Dependent, Antisocial and Obsessive Compulsive personalities.

The common wisdom is that personality characteristics are near to impossible to change. They are basically fundamental to one's nature. The good news about the immune power personality is that you can change all this. The properties of this type personality were designed using the research of 7 famous psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) researchers from 7 major universities.

To make these simpler to understand, I have developed these concepts into the acronym, HEAL. To HEAL is the same as to be WHOLE. Wholeness is created by initiating a connection with all the facets of your body and spirit, other beings, and your spiritual nature.

1. Hardiness Control, Commitment, and Challenge
Do you feel in control of your life? Are you dedicated to certain life mission, creative contests or relationships. Are you capable to change a problem into a challenge? People with this type of toughness seem to face lesser chronic illnesses and have more robust immunity.

2. Esteem
Question yourself, how do you feel about yourself? Are you aware of your strong points? Do you like who you are? People who are aware of their strengths are able to withstand stressful life circumstances and are less suspect to develop an illness.

3. Awareness - Expression of Body Signals
Consider this for yourself. When you face pain or stress, can you feel it? Do you know when you are distressed, annoyed or happy and are you capable to express these emotions? Or do you take no notice of them and keep on going? Researchers have found that those who are alert into mindbody feelings of discomfort, tiredness, distress, sorrow and happiness cope better psychologically, have improved immune response, and healthier cardiovascular systems.

4. Love Relationships, Helping
Study also shows that those who have healthy relationships, and extend and receive unqualified support and love become ill less often, and live healthy. People committed to helping others often undergo the "helpers" high, which is not only emotional and spiritual, but physical as well. Love is the great healer of many ills, emotional, mental and physical.

How does one develop these traits? Let's look at some of the ways.

Hardiness

1. Identify your stressors and learn where you do have and can gain control in your life.
2. Find something to commit yourself to which will give life meaning.
3. Think "Yes". Realize the strength of positive thought.
4. Build a belief in "I can."
5. Believe that you are in control of your life.

Esteem

1. Make strong social connections and friends.
2. Acknowledge your deeds.
3. Participate in therapy or groups.
4. Explore and establish spiritual procedures.
5. Learn to substitute negative thought loops with positive beliefs.
6. Consider understanding and accepting yourself in the way you might care for others.

Awareness

1. Engage in relaxation, prayer, meditation or simple walking exercise and listen to the messages of the body.
2. Locate a good yoga class or video tap and practice daily
3. Take plenty of talk time with family.
4. Write in a diary.

Love

1. Give and ask for time and attention to family and friends.
2. Give of yourselfand your own gifts to others.
3. Give and receive touch.
4. Learn to love yourself.

Enjoy a long healthy life as you acquire the traits that give you an immune power personality!

About the Author:
www.taffyclarkepelton.com Taffy Clark Pelton is a Certified Mindful Coach & Therapist. She is a licensed professional counselor, Psychotherapist and trained life coach.