A cozy way to combat stress

Whether you’re dealing with post-election feelings, mentally prepping for the upcoming holidays, staving off winter’s viruses, or something more personal…

It’s a hard time of year, no matter how you slice it.

But what if I told you there’s an easy way to navigate your stress…

And who you surround yourself with is key?

Positive relationships combat stress

In a recent analysis, researchers pulled relationship data from three intensive studies in Canada and Germany. The data came from over 320 adults aged 56 to 87 years.

Researchers specifically looked at self-reported emotional states and feelings of relationship satisfaction among partners. They then compared this data to levels of the stress hormone cortisol through saliva samples.

Cortisol levels were measured multiple times daily for one week.

And get this…

When an individual’s partner expressed relationship satisfaction and feelings of positivity, cortisol levels decreased. This effect grew stronger when the individual also reported positive emotions. And the effect was most protective among older participants!

In other words, having a close, intimate relationship not only elicits feelings of happiness, connection, and optimism… but it could also ward off chronic stress, which is vitally important to good health.

Emotional support and validation

You already know that stress can sabotage your health.

I recently reported how it might even skyrocket your risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)! (Read about it by clicking here.)

When it comes to warding off stress, I stand behind sensible lifestyle interventions, like:

• Adopting a healthy, balanced diet full of whole foods—like grass-fed and -finished meat, organic poultry, wild-caught seafood, seasonal produce, nuts, seeds, and more
• Moving your body regularly for at least 20 to 30 minutes daily
• Getting adequate sleep—at least seven to nine hours a night

But this study highlights just how important it is to foster positive relationships. Then, together, you can build a social network to further combat stress.

See, spending time doing the things you love with those you care about provides emotional support and validation. It can also help shift the focus away from stressors—providing a welcome (and healthy) distraction.

Not to mention, research repeatedly shows that positive social interactions reduce cortisol levels and boost oxytocin (the powerful “feel-good” hormone).

I also outline my top recommended supplements for combatting feelings of stress in last month’s monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives (“Feeling stuck in a ‘stress gridlock’?”). To learn more, click here now.

Source:

“Could happy relationships hold the key to less stress in aging?” MDLinx, 10/23/24. (mdlinx.com/news/could-happy-relationships-hold-the-key-to-less-stress-in-aging/41Vz2G4DhB98ru0P43c8ym)