Stress levels have gone up. In the last thirty years, data suggest that stress levels have gone up by 30%. The most stressed group being between the age group of 33-47 year-olds. This seems logical.

This is the group that has the most worries, kids, jobs, careers and hormonal changes-everything grouped into one sends the cortisol hormone soaring. In many cases stress has become a part of life. People may be exercising, doing the meditation but the fast paced life does not remove stress.

Stress has become the number one reason of many medical problems – blood pressure, obesity, and hypertension among other things.

From Independent

Dr Linda Mah, the lead author of the review carried out at a research institute affiliated to the University of Toronto, said: “Pathological anxiety and chronic stress are associated with structural degeneration and impaired functioning of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, which may account for the increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and dementia.”

Is there a way to reduce stress?

Sometimes, the thought in our head, the thought to compete with the neighbor, the thought to be as successful as the high school friend, the thought to have the slim body back, the thought …the list is endless. Is there a way to control this thought?

We undermine the importance of rest. “I don’t have time, I am very busy, ” the most common statement heard in all social gatherings. Life is busy, but we have to find time to give our minds rest.

Consumption of anti depressants is on a upward rise, one in every four person is on some anti-depressant. While these may help temporarily the root of the problem still stays. We have to find ways to de-stress for our mental health. Chronic stress changes the structure of the brain possibly permanently.

Relax, live a little, and let go of that thought in your head, ultimately we will all become dust.