The Impact Of Stress On Aging
We all have heard about the countless negative effects of stress on our health, mind and bodies, but how does stress impact the aging process? Stress weakens our immune system. A compromised immune system makes us more susceptible to disease and inflammation. As inflammation is directly tied to the visible signs of aging, it stands to reason then that stress accelerates aging.
If you think about periods of great stress in your life, you can probably remember that you were not only not feeling well, but perhaps not looking well either.
So what can you do? Stress is not easy to combat, especially during these trying economic times. But here are a few things to consider:
Get some exercise — Exercise is a remarkable tool for reducing stress
Meditate — Even if you can’t find the time to pursue a structured form of meditation, taking 5-10 minutes to clear your head and focus on feeling better is important
Eat Well – Don’t compound your stress by eating foods that put more stress on your body. Fresh fruits and vegetables, cold water fish and other foods rich in antioxidants and essential components of an anti-inflammatory diet are crucial to maintaining good health.
