The Science of Stress

We put a lot of time and effort into thinking about what to eat and how to exercise to get ourselves into better shape. But what many of us don't realize, is that stress is as big of a factor as both of these when it comes to health.

Really?

According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. And more than 75 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.

Chronic stress can affect your brain, suppress your thyroid, cause blood sugar imbalances, decrease bone density and muscle tissue, raise blood pressure, reduce your immunity and ability to heal, and increase fat deposits around your abdomen that are associated with heart attacks, strokes and elevated “bad” cholesterol - which in turn increases your risk of disease, abdominal obesity and other unhealthy conditions.

But stress is common in today's world. The key is how to handle it. The risks are real so don't ignore it! While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise can improve stress levels, taking time out for a little deep breathing can make a real difference.

Here's a quick exercise from Harvard Health that just takes a minute:

Place your hand just beneath your navel so you can feel the gentle rise and fall of your belly as you breathe. Breathe in. Pause for a count of three. Breathe out. Pause for a count of three. Continue to breathe deeply for one minute, pausing for a count of three after each inhalation and exhalation.