Stress Is Aging You Faster—But It’s Possible to Slow the Clock

Finding ways to reduce and manage our stress can help slow a clock that's moving too quickly.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Stress Expedites Aging. How to Slow the Clock   Science has already found that stress can take a toll on our mental well being and even drag us down physically. It can also impact our mood, productivity, and day-to-day behavior. A new study published in Translational Psychiatry—the first of its kind—now points to a connection between chronic stress and accelerated aging.   The study, which involved 444 people ages 18 and 50, examined blood samples and asked participants to self-report levels of stress and psychological resilience.   Researchers discovered that cumulative stress was linked to both accelerated aging and insulin resistance. The study also accounted for factors such as BMI and smoking, and still concluded that chronic stress had a significant impact on accelerated aging.   Finding ways to reduce and manage our stress can help slow a clock that's moving too quickly. This study also suggests that mood regulation and self-control may help in the long run, too. Introspection, therapy, conversations with friends, and a healthy lifestyle are some things that can help manage stress levels.     This research reaffirms that stress is not just a feeling and will manifest physically. When we grow accustomed to constant levels of stress, we don't understand how out of control it has gotten." — LEELA R. MAGAVI, MD  What This Means For You The thing about stress is that it tends to snowball. When one area of our life feels out of sync, it can impact other areas of our life. And as Dr. Magavi mentions, we sometimes don't even realize just how stressed we are because we've been dealing with the feeling for so long.   This chronic stress impacts us negatively across the board, impacting both our quality of life and potentially even the length of our life. When in doubt, strive for work-life balance, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and invest in activities that bring you joy.     On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us The Untangle podcast is determined to help you slow down, reduce stress levels, and feel calmer. Each episode features inspiring and candid stories from people who've successfully untangled themselves from society's expectations. Products to Help You Feel Your Best The scent of lavender has been linked to reducing feelings of anxiety. Try lighting a lavender candle, such as White Barn's White Lavender Eucalyptus 3-Wick Candle. Throwing yourself into a creative hobby can help regulate your stress levels. Try something like coloring (Catty Press Mindfulness Coloring Book), painting (Canvas by Number), or gardening. Feel mentally lighter and in control of your emotions by reading these stress management books recommended by an expert. Read These Next 16 Signs of Prolonged Stress READ NOW How Bad Stress Can Become Good Stress READ NOW How Positive Thinking Can Help You Live Longer READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy