The Therapy Edit One Thing with Dr Jenna on the impact of self-compassion on immunity
Mar 31, 2023
Dr. Jenna Macciochi, an immunologist and health coach, shares her insights on the astonishing relationship between self-compassion and immunity. She reveals how practicing self-kindness can reduce harmful inflammation in the body. Jenna further discusses the broader implications of immunity beyond just infections and offers practical advice for busy parents struggling with health pillars like sleep and nutrition. She emphasizes actionable steps to cultivate self-compassion and highlights the importance of modeling this mindset for children.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Burnout Sparked Her Immune Journey
- Jenna describes hitting burnout in her 20s despite knowing immune science, which spurred lifestyle changes.
- That gap between science and lived practice motivated her to share implementable immune-supporting habits.
Self-Compassion Lowers Harmful Inflammation
- Teaching self-compassion reduces harmful inflammatory responses to stress in measurable ways.
- Being kinder to yourself can therefore directly benefit immune health, not just mental wellbeing.
Choose Compassion When Other Habits Are Hard
- When sleep, nutrition or exercise are limited, choose self-compassion as an immediately available anti-inflammatory action.
- Use small kinder responses instead of amplifying stress through self-criticism.