Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression and autoimmune disorders such as arthritis are all conditions that can be driven by a hidden cause that doctors seldom mention: chronic stress. The American Psychological Association has identified the four major chronic stressors as work, money, family responsibilities and health. Studies have shown that the following are habits common to healthy centenarians: move your body daily, work with a purpose, face stress and let go of it, belong to your community, eat properly, and enjoy the company of friends and family. As humans, we’re guided by our inborn levels of oxytocin — a hormone that promotes positive feelings. Studies have shown that repeated doses of oxytocin lowers blood pressure and levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), while raising endorphin levels. Raising oxytocin levels is done through physical contact, with hands-on contact with pets and hugs being the top methods of physical contact that yield the best results. Practicing mindfulness meditation — the practice of being quiet and concentrating on nothing but your breathing — for 15-30 minutes a day also helps. None of these methods for reducing stress is not a magic bullet, but studies have shown that they can reduce blood pressure and inflammation, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, fight insomnia, and even reduce cholesterol. These broad-ranging improvements are the payoff for achieving more consistent regulation of your stress-response system.
