Stress

Stress (by various names) is a normal part of life and can drive us to new heights under the right circumstances, but when it becomes chronic or unmanageable it can have serious negative impact. High levels of stress can lead to cognitive impairment, memory problems, and even structural changes in the brain. Not to worry, we have a solution. For thousands of years, humans have developed techniques (by various names) to reduce stress and improve the ability to cope with life's challenges. If you spend some time looking into it, you'll discover simple yet powerful techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, physical yoga, and physical exercise. And the best part? This doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. You can start right now: just sit with your spine straight, close your eyes, and inhale.

USEFUL LINKS

NIH / NCCHI Stress

REFERENCES

Epel E, Daubenmier J, Moskowitz JT, Folkman S, Blackburn E. (2009). Can meditation slow rate of cellular aging? Cognitive stress, mindfulness, and telomeres. Annals of the New York Academy of Science. 1172:34-53.

McEwen BS. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews, 87(3):873-904.

Yegorov YE, Poznyak AV, Nikiforov NG, Sobenin IA, Orekhov AN. T. (2020). The link between chronic stress and accelerated aging. Biomedicines. 7;8(7):198.