Monday, September 18, 2006

Healthy Stress

There have been several studies done over the last ten years that have reported that stress can ruin our health. Doctors report that stress can increase our blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. Studies have also linked stress to immune suppression which can put us at risk for colds and flu. What the news hasn't reported is that short-term stress can give our immune system a boost and the additional energy boost needed in those life or death situations.

Other studies have reported for years that 30 minutes of exercise daily can boost our immune system and relieve stress. But prolonged exercise that becomes to intense can also weaken your immune system. Marathon runners are always fighting colds and their defense systems can take months to resume normalacy after a race. Studies have also reported that the long distance bicycler will not suffer from this depletion of the system.

Moderate exercise for senior citizens can slow the aging of their immune system. Combining movement, meditation, and special breathing which is practice in Tai Chi has been known to lower the risk of heart disease, and even change the growth of neurotransmitters to improve our mood.

So making time for short-term stress on our bodies can be healthy for us. Make time in your schedule for you and live a balanced life. Choose activities that you enjoy and do them in moderation. It will be the best gift that you ever gave yourself.

Take care

Gina

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