There’s a great deal of information about the dangers of stress, but some interesting research has recently revealed that it’s actually our beliefs about stress that determine how it will affect us. If we believe stress will make us sick, we’re more likely to get ill and possibly die than if we believe we can cope with stress. That’s not all. When we experience stress, our bodies release the stress hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is often nicknamed the cuddle hormone because it’s also released during social bonding. Our physiology is actually designed to release a chemical that makes us want to find other people for support when we’re under stress, and this support repairs the chromosome damage that stress has caused – the kind of damage that causes aging and disease. Isn’t that amazing? Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you, too. It’s good for your health!
Dr. Lori Doan, Ph.D., www.drloridoan.com