Stress and Aging

Stress and Aging

Your body is designed for short-term stress responses. The longer the stress response is drawn out, the greater the risk to your health. Cortisol, a stress hormone released by adrenal glands, functions to raise blood pressure and break down stored energy reserves in the face of a real or perceived threat. Long-term release of cortisol kills memory-forming neurons.

Aging is a process that begins to in early adulthood, and accelerates into our 50’s. Today we know that we can dramatically slow down the aging process in many different ways.

1. EXERCISE –  Regular exercise strengthens your body, maintains healthy weight and reduces mental tension.

  • New research shows exercise alone is not enough to stay healthy.  For optimal health take frequent breaks to be active – and reduce the amount of time you are sitting at work ad at home.
  • Learn StrongPosture® Exercise. Just a few minutes each morning will set the stage for good posture habits during the day. Posture has a huge impact on stress and aging – for better or for worse. (breathe better, perform efficiently, and look more slender!)

Research study of men and women over the age of 60 found that those with high cortisol levels performed poorly on memory tests. Numerous studies at the Touch Institute at the University of Miami demonstrated that massage therapy is a very effective tool in intervening in a long-term stress response and lowering cortisol levels.

2. NUTRITION – Many people admit to bad eating habits due to their lifestyle!  When you consider that eating a balanced diet adds years to your life and delays, even prevents, disease… It’s worth the effort to plan for healthy eating.

  • Eat 5+ servings of fruits and vegetables each day. (more veggies than fruit!)
  • Drink lots of water to flush the systems of the body. (and helps keep skin looking youthful!)
  • Eat fish and chicken, and reduce your intake of red meat. (watch your portion size)
  • Eat whole grains, though limit servings of bread, pasta and cereal.
  • Eat breakfast: it is the energy source for your day.
  • Try making lunch your biggest meal; then eat a light dinner, and a healthy snack in the evening.

3. RELAX – Relaxing shouldn’t always mean reclining and not moving!

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Easy changes to enjoy lasting health!