It’s well established that stress prompts the release of cortisol, that fight-or-flight hormone that enables you to run for your life. When cortisol is high, your immune system isn’t as active, says Daniel M. Davis, PhD, professor of immunology at the University of Manchester in England; your body sends all of its resources to the thing it thinks is most likely to kill you, and away from other stuff, like your protective network.

Don’t stress? I’ll just give up now, you’re thinking. Stay calm and try this: Instead of attempting to eliminate negativity, refine the way you cope (with the genius advice ahead!)—which will make the blues more manageable and mitigate that cortisol response, Davis says.

Outlet: MSN

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