7 stress facts, and how to reduce stress as we age

Nature intended stress to be short-lived, but modern life can lead to chronic stress with far-reaching impacts on your health. Here's a few facts about aging and stress, and how to reduce your stress levels.

• Studies show that excess cortisol — an important stress hormone — prompts your body to store extra fat around your abdomen and overeat high-fat, sugary foods.
• Stress hormones make cells throughout your body less sensitive to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
• In one study, people with coronary artery disease and high anxiety levels were six percent more likely to have a heart attack or die than those who they felt peaceful most of the time.

• Stress-reduction techniques have been proven to lower blood sugar, improve immunity, reduce depression, ease chronic pain and possibly protect your heart.
• In one study, people with heart disease who lowered their stress levels significantly cut their risk for a heart attack.

• Stress isn't created by people or situations. It's entirely caused by how you react to them.
• You can let an obnoxious child, boss or sales clerk get to you. Or, you can take a deep breath and decide not to let yourself react strongly or emotionally.
• The next time you feel a stressful situation emerging, work hard at managing it and staying cool.

Among the most proven stress relief activities are yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. Consider these essential tools for health, not unlike aspirin for a headache.

If stress is taking a significant toll on your attitude and health, talk to a cognitive therapist. You'll learn how to see yourself and your thought process in a new, more objective light.

Close your eyes, breathe calmly, and release tension in each part of your body. Start with your feet and work up to your neck and head.

• One of the secrets of achieving happiness is to acknowledge that there's still a kid inside all of us.
• Don't suppress your sense of fun and silliness.
• At any age, it's perfectly appropriate to laugh at comedians, have a pillow fight, make silly faces at each other and get a little saucy with your intimates.
• Treat it as a doctor's prescription for your health.

There are countless benefits to de-stressing. A regained sense of joy and control is worth its weight in gold, and the physical health benefits will be substantial as well.