An Intern's Perspective - Researching Stress

July 07, 2008 - Posted by Michelle Brown

My recent experience conducting research for The Women’s Initiative has been enlightening, opening my eyes to the countless stressors affecting people as well as the many ways to alleviate that stress. Tension and anxiety can be caused by everything from financial problems to traffic jams, and this not only makes people suffer emotionally, but also contributes to conditions like heart disease. Luckily, methods to counteract stress are easily accessible. People can learn to slow down their breathing, relax their muscles, and eat more healthfully. One’s immediate environment is also related to stress and can affect one’s physical and emotional well-being. 

Not surprisingly, remedies for emotional stress and physical conditions often overlap, as is the case for exercise. According to the Dr. Dean Ornish Lifestyle Modification Program, as described in a 2004 article by the Preventive Medicine Research Institute, “Regular physical activity is known to reduce the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, certain types of cancer, osteoporosis and obesity. It is one of the best ways to improve both physical and mental health.” Even intangibles, like showing kindness to strangers, can increase emotional and physical health. In the article Scientific Research on Kindness Jason Parker writes, “Kindness creates peace of mind, a disease-free body, and great relationships.” - Charles Heiner