While chronic or extreme stress levels have been linked to heart disease and hypertension, among other things, research suggests that moderate levels can actually boost your health. Here's how it works --- When you're stressed, your adrenal glands release a cascade of hormones, including adrenaline, which ups your heart rate and boosts energy; and cortisol, which increases glucose in the bloodstream. When your body gets overwhelmed with these chemicals for weeks and months, you start to see ill effects. But in short bursts (like a day or less), stress can make your body more efficient and your mind razor sharp. For example, cortisol works in the brain to enhance learning and memory. Also, when you're stressed, your body pumps out oxytocin, a hormone that facilitates bonding -- making this is an ideal time to network and interact with others. Stress can make you heartier -- Channel it to heal your body -- Bursts of stress may prime your body to battle future ailments, and can even boost the immune system. Work through the short-term challenges, knowing that as long as you take some downtime later to breathe, your body's got you covered.
Turn off your mind, relax and float down stream
It is not dying, it is not dying
Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void
It is shining, it is shining
Yet you may see the meaning of within
It is being, it is being
Love is all and love is everyone
It is knowing, it is knowing
And ignorance and hate mourn the dead
It is believing, it is believing
But listen to the colour of your dreams
It is not leaving, it is not leaving
So play the game "Existence" to the end
Of the beginning, of the beginning
Of the beginning, of the beginning
Of the beginning, of the beginning
Of the beginning, of the beginning
(By John Lennon & Paul McCartney)
