Most of you have probably heard of type A and B personalities. Perhaps when you have impatiently weaved your way through traffic or complained about not having enough time, someone has accused you of being a type A personality. Or perhaps someone has complained that you have no sense of urgency and are too laid back, which got you  labeled a Type B.  Well, that is probably a type A person calling you that.

Such personality characteristics are difficult to change. They are pretty fundamental to one’s nature. The good news about the immune power personality is that this is one that you can cultivate.  The traits of this type personality were developed utilizing the research of seven famous psychoneuro- immunology (PNI) researchers from seven major universities. 

To make these easier to remember, I have developed these traits into the acronym, HEAL. To HEAL means to be WHOLE.  Wholeness is created by establishing a connection between all the aspects of your bodymind, other beings, and your spiritual nature.

1.  Hardiness – Control, Commitment, and Challenge
     Do you feel in control of your life?  Are you committed to certain life goals, creative
     challenges or relationships.  Can you turn a problem into a challenge?  People with 
     this type of hardiness seem to suffer fewer chronic illnesses and have stronger 
     immune systems. 

2.  Esteem - Self Love
     Ask yourself,  how do you feel about yourself.  Are you aware of your strengths?  Do
     you like who you are?  People who are aware of their strengths are able to withstand
     stressful life circumstances and are less prone to illness.

3.   Awareness – and Expression of Body Signals
      Think about this for yourself.  When you experience pain or stress, can you feel it?
      Do you know when you are sad, angry or happy and can you express these feelings? 
      Or do you ignore them?  Researchers have found that people who are tuned into
      mindbody feelings of discomfort, fatigue, distress, sadness and pleasure cope better
      psychologically, have better immune response, and healthier cardiovascular systems. 

4.  Love – Relationships, Helping
      Research also shows that people who have healthy relationships, and extend and
      receive unconditional love become sick less frequently, and live longer. People 
      committed to helping others often experience the “helpers” high, which is not only 
      an emotional and spiritual experience, but physical as well.  Love is the great healer
      of many ills, emotional, mental and physical.

How does one cultivate these qualities?  Lets look at some of the ways:

Hardiness
1. Find something to commit yourself to – This can give life great meaning.
2. Think “Yes.” Experience the power of positive thought.
3. Develop a belief in “I can.” 
4. Believe that you are in charge of your life.

Esteem
1. Develop strong social connections and friends.
2. Acknowledge your accomplishments.
3. Participate in therapy or groups.
4. Explore and establish spiritual practices.
5. Learn to replace negative thought loops with positive beliefs.

Awareness
1. Engage in relaxation, prayer, meditation or mindful walking practice.
2. Find a good yoga class or video tape and practice daily
3. Take plenty of talk time with friends.
4. Write in a journal.

Love
1. Give time and attention to family and friends.
2. Give of yourself and your own gifts to others.

Enjoy a long healthy life as you develop the qualities that give you an immune power personality!

¹Ref: Dreher, Henry, "Immune Power Personality," Noetic Sciences Review, 1996, No. 39, p. 12.