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There are two kinds of stress: good and bad.  They are very important in our daily lives and have large effects on our health.  Good stress is physical stress on our bodies that we experience during exercise and other activities.  This kind of stress is what helps our bodies grow and become stronger.  Bad stress can be physical, mental or emotional.  It is this type of stress that has very hazardous effects on our lives. 

All forms of stress release cortisol in the body.  Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress for energy regulation and mobilization.  The problem comes when we are exposed to too many stressors too often.  Too much of any kind of stress is not good.  If it’s physical stress, we become overtrained and good stress becomes bad.  So when stress overwhelms us, cortisol release increases.  The natural effects the hormone has on the body now become detrimental in excess.  Glucagon, DHEA, and human growth hormone decrease with excess release of cortisol.  These are hormones that have fat burning, anti-aging and repair and maintenance effects.  Increased cortisol levels also increase the release of insulin which lowers blood sugar and stores fat in the gut.  Another hormone called insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is also increased.  Recent research has shown that IGF-1 may be pro-cancer.

So what does all that science jargon mean?  It means that too much stress is bad, plain and simple.  Too much stress, especially emotional and mental stress, can lead to weight gain, elevated blood pressure, increased triglycerides, decreased HDL levels (the “good” cholesterol), and can cause insulin resistance (i.e. type 2 diabetes).   It is very important that we limit our stress every day, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.  When you find yourself at work or home and stress is bearing down on you try this:

1. Sit and close your eyes. 
2. Think of a calming place or activity.  It could be a tropical island or lying on the couch watching your favorite movie.  
3. As you imagine yourself in your calming place, slowly breathe in through your nose letting your abdomen protrude while counting slowly to 5.  Then slowly breathe out through your mouth, counting to 5. 

Do that as many times as you need to feel calm.  When you’re ready, go back to the daily grind and come back to your calming place whenever you need it.