Six Reasons to Reduce Stress

Let’s start with your brain, because your brain is the organ that will make the decision to reduce stress. As reported in the Washington Post,  “the prolonged elevated cortisol levels that come with chronic stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can interfere with and damage the brain’s hippocampus, which is critical for long-term memory function.” Long-term increases in cortisol, the Post reports, can also damage the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is essential for focused attention and executive function 

And yes, there are five more reasons to reduce stress now, and each of them concerns stress-related damage to the biological systems that keep you going. The cardiovascular system is an easy mark for stress, and the respiratory system and immune systems can take a serious hit from long term stress. Let’s not forget the gastrointestinal system, and even your skin. You can read about how all of these systems are damaged by long term stress in the Washington Post.