Over a billion colds are estimated in the United States each year. Increasing research suggests that there's a psychological link between stress and the nagging illness, says Murray State University Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Michael Bordieri. He speaks with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good about this potential relationship.
There is increasing research suggesting that psychological factors like stress and social relationships can have an influence on your susceptibility to catching a cold: how long it lasts or how effective your body is in fighting it off.
The general cause is known: a virus infection, typically rhinovirus. Evidence suggests that in addition to the physical pathway, a psychological factor can play a role as well. Dr. Bordieri cites studies by Dr. Sheldon Cohen, where people were asked questions about health practices and stress and then exposed to rhinovirus.
The research finds that stress matters, but that not all stress is the same. Acute stressors (like big things that pop up and go away) or stressors that just happen (for example, getting a speeding ticket) don't have a huge impact. However, chronic stressors over time lead to an increase in susceptibility to the common cold. These can be relationships, interpersonal difficulties, stressful work environments, etc. Stress over long periods of time, can make people more susceptible to the infection, showing more symptoms and being sick longer.
Relationships and work are obviously broad areas and Dr. Bordieri says one shouldn't just quit working and be alone. Other studies looked at the number of social relationships and social diversity: how many different types of social contacts one has. These are categorized as things like spouse, children, in-laws, work groups, social groups, etc. They found that people with six or more groups with meaningful contact were significantly less likely to develop cold symptoms or have extended symptoms than those with three or fewer groups.
When it comes to psychological health, Dr. Bordieri suggests practicing mindfulness and moderating things like smoking, alcohol, eating and sleep. While these things don't have a directly huge effect on cold symptoms, basic things like getting more sleep can help. Let go of stress, he says, take time for yourself each day: go for a walk, listen to music, make a cup of tea.
