We all know how destructive chronic stress can be, and in today’s world…it’s nearly difficult to avoid it. However, there are many things we can do to gain some control over this epidemic phenomenon we have come to consider as “normal”.

It’s long been known that stress can cause cardiovascular disease and even cancer, but now we can add yet another devastating (and yet avoidable) health condition:

Alzheimer’s Disease

New studies are now linking this disease, which robs you of a lifetime of memories, with the deadly cumulative effect of chronic stress.

MedPage Today recently featured an article highlighting the research of Zhen Yan, Ph.D., who has found a correlation between stress and memory:

“Chronic stress can impair executive functions, such as memory and attention, and has been shown to trigger maladaptive changes associated with stress-related mental disorders. The major stress hormone cortisol, for instance, has been linked with depression.”

Another study from the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at Gothenburg University in Mölndal, Sweden, came to the same conclusion:

“Our study shows that common psychosocial stressors may have severe and long-standing physiological consequences.”  

It would seem that Alzheimer’s disease just might be the end product of the body’s attempt to remove the memories that continue to breed the never-ending chain of stress.

But it need not go that far. Here are a few examples (of many) that are known to reduce stress levels in the body:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Writing in a journal
• Taking time for yourself
• Hot baths
• Dancing
• Long walks in nature
• Learning something new
• Exploring your passions
• Weekend getaways
• Going to the ocean
• Hiking in the mountains

And don’t forget that diet is also a key component to lowering stress levels in your body! You can only expect optimum health by consuming real whole foods (organic and non-GMO) and of course, getting regular moderate exercise.

So, isn’t it about time you turned down your stress levels a notch or two (or three)?

Doing so today just might make a world of difference tomorrow!