Did you know that chronic stress can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes? There is also more research linking chronic stress to depression and increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In a study by the Chicago Health and Aging Project, 6,000 people age 65 and older, participated in neuropsychological tests over a seven-year period. The people with the most perceived stress had lower cognitive functioning and a faster rate of cognitive decline.
The good news is, there is also a lot of evidence to support ways to decrease your stress:
1. Physical exercise - we now know the importance of exercise for our brain health. However, there is an added benefit of exercise for stress reduction, which also supports brain health!
2. Mindfulness – this is the practice of paying attention and being in the present moment. This has been shown to:
a. Decrease worry
b. Enhance memory and attention
c. Decrease depression and anxiety
d. Decrease cortisol levels
3. In the zone – when you are completely immersed in a task and you lose track of time. Engaging in a hobby is linked to increased feelings of happiness and well-being.
4. Keep a manageable schedule – what allows you time for exercise, rest, relaxation and social engagement.
5. Removing yourself from stressful situations
6. Reframing – shifting your mindset of how you think about a stress in your life.
For more information, consider reading The High Octane Brain by Michelle Braun.
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