A sense of meaning and purpose in what you do has the power to add years to your life. Research in the field of psychoneuro-endocrinology (or PNE) has shown how purposeful energy in your life often leads to a better functioning immune system and improved health.
Research has shown how patients with higher levels of self-esteem, self-efficacy and fulfillment had stronger immune systems more capable of fighting disease. More formally put, your endocrine (hormonal) system protects you if you experience a purposeful and meaningful life. By being positive, purposeful and optimistic, your brain and the endocrine system produces a ‘good’ hormonal chemistry in your body.
This ‘good’ chemistry promotes neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Neurogenesis is the growth and development of neurons (brain cells) while neuroplasticity is the process during which the brain undergoes constant rearranging and remodeling in response to the changing internal and external environment. If you were to experience neuroplasticity, you would be more thoughtful, creative, and have greater ability to organise, retain and retrieve new information wich really means improved learning, productivity and performance.
Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. Regular exposure to negative mind states gives rise to ‘bad’ hormonal chemistry, creating a negative effect on brain chemistry, immune function, and metabolism. This then leads to impaired wellness and performance, decreased neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.
When our stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines) are persistently high, it leads to chronic inflammation in the body, which is the precursor of cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes, etc.) as well as neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, motor neuron disease, etc.) and cancer.
South African neurosurgeon-neuroscientist Dr Ian Weinberg, who pioneered applied clinical psychoneuro-endocrinology, noted that many of his patients had experienced some past emotional trauma that resulted in severe negative mindsets before the onset of their illness. He then found that addressing the negative mindsets through coaching, alongside the standard medical interventions, was far more effective in treating his patients than the medical interventions alone.
Dr Weinberg concluded that enhancing purposeful energy amongst his patients was a necessary starting point in treating patients. But according to him, while the idea behind purpose-driven lifestyles as a basis for stronger immune systems is an effective treatment, it is an even better preventative measure. In short, don’t wait until it’s too late. Start living your best, purpose-driven life today, and you will be able to live it for longer.
Reinhard Korb is a thought leader in the combined application of nutrition, exercise, neuroscience, and mindfulness. He helps to optimise health, wellness, and performance in his clients. As the founder of Thrive, he has facilitated and supported various organisations and individuals actualise their potential and achieve peak performance states. He is a certified Fitness & Nutrition Coach, Meta Coach, Neuro Coach, Stress Management Coach and Wellness Coach.
For more information on how to live life with purpose please visit www.howtothrive.co.za/blog or follow How to Thrive on Facebook and Instagram.
