Stress is an insidious trigger of disease.  People who are unable to relieve daily stress suffer a variety of health consequences, most commonly fatigue, frequent headaches, and stomach upset.  The emotional response of stress is a function of the release of the hormone, cortisol.  In times of stress, the adrenal glands atop the kidneys release cortisol.  Unfortunately, long-term cortisol release accelerates the aging process.  Unrestrained cortisol secretion can inhibit immunity, slow protein synthesis (necessary for tissue repair), lead to loss of nerve cells, brain damage, bone loss, muscle wasting, increase in abdominal fat, psychosis, and premature aging and death.  Long-term oversecretion of cortisol due to chronic prolonged stress can lead to hypertension and hypoglycemia, both with deadly consequences.

Don't give in to the triggers that start the stress reaction:

• Prepare a list of your daily activities and rank them in order of priority.  Accomplish what you can, but don't fret if it all doesn't get done.

• Participate in -- and enjoy -- the experience of leisure activities.  This will reduce the taxing load of stress on the adrenals.

• If you find yourself embroiled with conflicts at work, home, or anywhere else, take the time to resolve the matter.

"Do not take life too seriously.  You will never get out of it alive." ~ Elbert Hubbard