We all know that “stressed out” feeling. Too much to do. Too little time.

And, we know intuitively that stress is not healthy.

But we also know that some people seem to endure endless stressful events in their lives and come out healthy. Others, faced with fewer of these events, but feeling overwhelmed nonetheless, do not fare as well.

The research seems to support our intuition, and the observation that the actual stressful events in our lives are less to blame than our perception of and reaction to them. Credible studies have found an increased risk of developing both breast and cervical cancers in those experiencing more stress. The actual stressful events in these studies did not play a role, rather it was the subjective sensation of stress that was correlated with a risk of cancer. So what can we do to lower our “feelings” of stress?

• Play music that relaxes you. (During cold Minnesota stressful winter days, I like to turn up the heat, put on “summer clothes” and dance to Hawaiian music while folding clothes)
• Take five minutes alone in a quiet place and slow your breathing
• Try visualization. Picture yourself in your favorite place on the planet and “go” there for a few moments
• Turn off the news
• Learn to delegate
• Try yoga
• Set limits. Learn how to say no.
• My favorite. Make a list of 10 things that are wonderful in your life – such as having toilet paper and clean water, and express gratitude!

We can’t change many of the circumstances in our lives, but we do have control of how they make us feel!

For information on cancer prevention, visit Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.

Posted by Lynne Eldridge, MD

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