Research confirms that the amount of stress you feel is based on your perception of an event, person, or place far more than the impetus of stress itself. Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a relatively new branch of medicine that shows how our minds, beliefs, and emotions can profoundly affect our well being and health. Negative emotions can cause inflammation of our blood vessels just as easily as a raised blood sugar. Mental health anchored in positive thinking, yoga, meditation, martial arts and simple silence can reconnect us to the roots of our humanity.