Character matters! Personality differences are often summed up based on five broad dimensions, which are called the Big Five : neuroticism , extraversion , agreeableness , conscientiousness , and openness to experience . But in the early 2000s psychologists discovered evidence of a sixth personality factor, which led to a new model of personality called HEXACO. The distinctly new factor is called “honesty-humility,” and it is a component of moral character. (The other components of HEXACO are al
The HEXACO-Physical Health Connection
The relationship between hexaco and physical health is bidirectional and profound. Modern neuroscience has confirmed what clinicians long observed: psychological states directly impact bodily systems.
Physical Symptoms of HEXACO
People managing hexaco commonly experience:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Headaches and muscle tension
- Digestive disruptions (IBS, nausea, appetite changes)
- Sleep disturbances affecting cellular repair
- Immune system dysregulation
- Cardiovascular effects (blood pressure, heart rate variability)
- Chronic pain amplification
How HEXACO Affects Body Systems
Stress hormones: HEXACO often elevates cortisol and adrenaline, which when chronically elevated cause inflammation, insulin resistance, and immune suppression.
Nervous system: The autonomic nervous system shifts toward sympathetic dominance ("fight or flight"), reducing digestive, immune, and reproductive function.
Inflammation: Psychological distress promotes inflammatory cytokines linked to heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions.
Physical Health Practices That Help HEXACO
Research shows these interventions improve both hexaco and physical health simultaneously:
- Regular aerobic exercise — 30 min, 3–5× weekly reduces symptoms significantly
- Anti-inflammatory diet — Mediterranean diet pattern supports mood and reduces inflammation
- Sleep optimization — 7–9 hours consistently transforms hexaco outcomes
- Breathing practices — diaphragmatic breathing activates parasympathetic recovery
- Reducing alcohol and processed foods — both worsen hexaco symptoms
When to Seek Integrated Care
Look for healthcare providers who address both physical and psychological dimensions if hexaco is affecting your body. Integrative psychiatry, functional medicine, and psychosomatic medicine specialize in this overlap.