Most of us accept the fact that stress can negatively effect our health and well-being. We now have years of science-based research to back up this fact.
Recently, I listened to a series of lectures entitled Stress: Science and Strategies to Live Well.
It was presented by the University of California. The series was just excellent.
You can find it through UCTV.
Over the next few posts, I am going to share information from this series.
I would encourage anyone interested in the topic, to take the time to listen to it.
Research demonstrates how our bodies are negatively impacted by stress.
Here are a couple examples of what can happen when the body is under stress for prolonged periods of time:
- Cell aging occurs
- A systemic inflammatory response happens
- Normal immune system function is impaired
Research tells us that all three of these examples will negatively impact cardiovascular health, brain function, disease states, and mortality.
This is very alarming information because we all live with stress. But wait- There is some good news from stress researchers.
We now have well documented research showing the positive effects of practicing certain healthy lifestyle strategies.
Below are a couple of these strategies proven to have positive effects on the body’s stress reaction:
- “Our cells listen to our thoughts.” A practical way to use this information is to check in with your thoughts. Ask yourself, “What am I thinking?” We know that negative, judgemental, critical, destructive thoughts have an adverse effect on our cells. Just by being aware of our thoughts, we can actively make choices and become less reactive to the stress in our lives.
- “Positive emotion has a positive effect on cell aging and immune system function.” For more information on this, see Heart Math in RelaxandBreathe store. A practical way to use this information is to let your mind settle on feelings of love, compassion, gratitude and allow yourself time to really feel those emotions.
I plan to discuss these and other strategies in greater depth in later posts.
I am looking forward to reviewing more of the information from UCTV’s series,
Stress: Science and Strategies to Live Well.
Take care,
Kate
