Why do we fall sick or develop disease? Most of us find answers in a physical cause as in a bacterial infection or wrong food, late nights, lack of exercise, genetics etc. But these explanations seem inadequate when we see people, who follow every rule in the book and yet fall prey to disease. Numerous studies indicate that at least 25% of the people who ‘can’t cope’ with the stressors in their lives tend to develop disease more than others. Such people are usually discontented with their lives. Ordinary day to day events, both at home and at work seem to be more stressful to them than to others. Stress is omnipresent. It is an unavoidable part of life. It is how we react to it that makes a difference to our state of health. Some people handle stress well. They remain calm and collected in most situations and it has little impact on their physical or emotional health. There are others who are very negatively influenced by it. Such people generally experience chronic fatigue, joint pain, migraine, high blood pressure, heart disease etc. It is said that heart disease enters from the mind.

Researchers estimate that about 80% of all major illnesses including cancer, skin disorders, cardiovascular disease and even backache are related to mind and behaviour. Stress is perceived as a psychological problem but it has very real physical effects. When your body is emotionally overloaded and you further contaminate it with chemicals and strange foods, a series of physiological changes take place. There may be increased secretion of adrenaline, acceleration of heart beat, greater tension in the muscles, slower or improper digestion. Blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels may rise, the blood thickens and is more prone to clot formation. This in turn increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Those who are lacking in job satisfaction external support and love from family and friends are more likely to develop disease. The human mind has tremendous powers over what happens in our bodies. Your thoughts and emotions have the ability to create or destroy health.

A positive mental attitude can go a long way in promoting health and well-being in a person.