HealthyLife Articles

Category: Success Over Stress

Does Stress Lead To Cancer?

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Whether due to work, family or finances, most of us have felt stressed at some point in our lives. And to make matters worse, some studies have shown that stress can lead to depression, anxiety, or a weakened immune system. But can it cause cancer?

The National Cancer Institute says no. There is no evidence that stress alone can lead to cancer. But, habits such as smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy foods may be linked to cancer. These are often done in response to high stress events.

Bottom line:cope with stress in healthy ways, such as exercising, deep breathing, meditation, and getting help from your doctor, if needed. Lowering your overall stress levels will help you feel your best emotionally and physically. And, don’t worry about whether the occasional stressful event may cause cancer. The experts say it won’t.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Meaning And Purpose Promote Brain Health

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Having a strong sense that your life has meaning and direction may make you less likely to develop areas of brain damage caused by blockages in blood flow as you age. This research is reported in the American Heart Association’s journal Stroke.

When a blockage interrupts blood flow in a vessel within the brain, a stroke can result or brain tissue can be damaged. As people age, this damaged tissue may contribute to dementia, movement problems, disability and death.

“Purpose in life differs for everyone and it is important to be thoughtful about what motivates you (such as volunteering, learning new things, or being part of the community) so you can engage in rewarding behaviors,” said the researchers at the Rush University Medical Center, Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Walk Off Stress, Naturally

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

At work, at home, even in the car, stress is a constant struggle for many people. Unmanaged stress can lead to serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

“The American lifestyle is fast-paced and productive, but can be extremely stressful. If that stress it not addressed, our bodies and minds can suffer,” said Dr. Aaron Michelfelder, professor of family medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Our bodies need sleep to rejuvenate, and if we are uptight and stressed, we aren’t able to get the rest we need. This can lead to serious physical and mental health issues, which is why it’s extremely important to wind down, both body and mind, after a stressful day.

According to Dr. Michelfelder, one of the best ways to wind down and reconnect after a stressful day is by taking a walk. Though any walking is good, walking in the woods or in nature has been proven to be even better at reducing stress and improving your health.

“When we get to nature, our health improves,” he said. “Our stress hormones rise all day long in our bloodstream and taking even a few moments while walking to reconnect with our inner thoughts and to check in with our body will lower those damaging stress hormones. Walking with our family or friends is also a great way to lower our blood pressure and make us happier.”

Research out of Japan shows that walking in the woods also may play a role in fighting cancer. Plants emit a chemical called phytoncides that protects them from rotting and insects. When people breathe it in, there is an increase in the level of “natural killer” cells, which are part of a person’s immune response to cancer.

“When we walk in a forest or park, our levels of white blood cells increase and it also lowers our pulse rate, blood pressure and level of the stress hormone cortisol,” Dr. Michelfelder said.

He also suggests reading, writing, meditating or reflecting to help calm the mind after a long day. To help calm the body, yoga and breathing exercises also are good.

“If you want to wind down, stay away from electronic screens as they activate the mind. Electronic devices stimulate brain activity and someone’s post on Facebook or a story on the evening news might cause more stress,” he said.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
10 Foods That Reduce Stress

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

When life gets stressful, it’s natural to reach for “comfort foods” high in fat and calories. Macaroni and cheese, fried foods, and sugary desserts are often appealing when we feel anxious or overwhelmed.

Unfortunately, these foods are probably doing more harm than good. They can make you feel sluggish and cause a crash in blood sugar levels, which can make you feel exhausted and shaky. They also don’t provide you with nutrition you need to be at your best.

Instead of eating comfort foods, eat foods that can replenish vital nutrients in the body. This can help you feel more focused, calm and ready to tackle what life brings you.

*Green tea (Antioxidants):Green tea’s compounds can prevent cell damage, and a chemical called theanine helps you relax.

*Bananas (Potassium & minerals):B vitamins, magnesium, and other nutrients help reduce heart disease and can provide a calming effect.

*Spinach & broccoli (Magnesium & minerals):Green leafy vegetables and cruciferous vegetables are rich in folate and magnesium, which help the brain release calming signals.

*Salmon (Choline & healthy fats):Choline is a special nutrient that helps with brain function. Its healthy omega-3 fats also keep you focused.

*Blueberries (Antioxidants):The vitamins in blueberries help your body fight off stress and boost your immune system.

*Almonds & nuts (Magnesium & healthy fats):The magnesium and healthy fats in nuts help the brain function better, and the zinc found in most nuts can calm your nerves.

*Chocolate (Magnesium):Dark chocolate in small amounts can help lower blood pressure and give you a feeling of happiness and calm.

*Oranges (Antioxidants and vitamin C):Vitamin C has been shown to reduce stress hormones and may lower blood pressure. Citrus fruits also contain healthy antioxidants.

*Milk & yogurt (Probiotics, vitamin D):The probiotics in yogurt can calm a stressed tummy, and the vitamin D in fortified dairy helps fight anxiety and depression.

*Avocados (Healthy fats and vitamins):The fat in avocado is heart-healthy and can help steady blood sugar levels. Vitamins B, C and E help the body cope with stress and anxiety.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Enjoy Every Moment

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

The idea of enjoying each moment may be good for your health, say scientists at NIH. Yes, but how? The idea is called mindfulness. This ancient practice is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present.

Becoming more mindful-instead of going through life on autopilot-requires commitment and practice:

*Take some deep breaths.Breathe in through your nose to a count of 4, hold for 1 second, exhale through the mouth to a count of 5. Repeat often.

*Enjoy a stroll.Notice your breath and the sights and sounds around you. As thoughts and worries enter your mind, note them but then return to the present.

*Practice mindful eating.Be aware of taste, textures, and flavors in each bite. Listen to your body when you are hungry and full.

*Find mindfulness resources.Yoga and meditation classes, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, and books are helpful.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Mind Over Matter

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

The average person has over 40,000 thoughts roaming through his or her mind on any given day, perhaps even more. As impressive as that might sound, there’s a catch.

About 80% of these thoughts are repeats from the previous day, week, month or even year. Here is another catch. Most of these repeated thoughts are perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and opinions about our personal day-to-day situations or interactions with other people, and the majority of these thoughts are stress-related-unresolved issues of either anger or fear.

Scientists who study human thinking processes-particularly, intentions such as prayer and various forms of healing-say that our thoughts and feelings are actually a form of vibrant energy. In other words, the mind is a limitless bank of conscious energy, which uses the brain as its primary organ of choice, says Brian Luke Seaward, PhD, author of Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart.

With most thoughts being repeats from a previous page in the book of our lives, it appears that, for the most part, the average person’s energy is poorly spent on taking one step forward and two steps back.

Given the possibility that our thoughts and feelings are indeed a form of energy, the question begs to be asked, “How and where do you choose to spend your energy?”

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Ways To Cope With People You Don’T Like -Especially When You Have To

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Can’t stand your in-laws? Work with someone you despise? People are often forced to deal with others they dislike either in a family- or work-related situation. A University of Missouri-Columbia communication professor looked at what people will do to distance themselves from those they dislike.

* Interact with the person only in a group setting.

* Avoid asking the other person questions.

* Treat the other person as eccentric in some way and merely tolerate his or her behavior.

* Fail to acknowledge the other person’s presence.

* Actively reject a person from a conversation.

* Avoid jokes and light-hearted conversation.

* Speed up interactions and get it over with as quickly as possible.

Successful work and social life depends on our ability to maintain relationships, even with people who dislike each other, said Jon Hess, whose study appears in Human Communication Research.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
3 Key Facts About Stress

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

With demanding jobs, caring for family, and worries about everyday events, many people feel stressed on a daily basis. Here are some things to remember:

1.You can’t avoid all stress, all the time.Although we’d like to live stress-free lives, it’s normal to deal with stress from time to time. Even the most relaxed person will likely deal with stress sometimes, and our bodies are equipped to deal with small amounts of it. Rather than worry about stress, learn how to cope with it when it does arise.

2.Stress doesn’t have to be a bad thing.A small amount of stress can help you be at your best, such as before a job interview or a speech. And, stress can help you out of dangerous situations. Adrenaline kicks in to help you survive in situations where you may need to flee. Your pulse speeds up, your brain kicks into high gear, and your muscles are ready to perform. This is known as the “fight or flight” response, and it can save your life.

3.When you’re stressed all the time, your health may suffer.Though some stress is part of life, feeling stressed too often can take its toll. If you’re dealing with high levels of stress every day, or the source of stress doesn’t go away, this may become “chronic” stress. Chronic stress puts you at a higher risk of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, immune system problems, and more.

Learn how to manage stress

Look into these healthy ways to manage stress in your life:

* Make time for exercise. Just 30 minutes a day of walking has been shown to improve mood and help people cope with stress.

* Recognize when you’re feeling stressed, and take action. If you feel stress, take a walk, try deep breathing exercises, or call a trusted family member or friend.

* Be open with your doctor. If stress is causing sleep problems, substance abuse issues, depression, anxiety, or other issues, tell your doctor. There are treatments available that can help you feel better.

* Step out of your comfort zone. Have never taken a yoga or tai chi class? A relaxing activity like this could be just what you need to cope with stress.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Forget The ‘Perfect’ Holiday

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

Are the holidays stressful because you want them to be perfect? Let go of the perfection goal with these tips:

* Get real with yourself. If you burn the food or the tree turns brown, accept it as part of life. No holiday party is going to be perfect, and that’s okay.

* Look ahead. Many people dread the holiday season. They feel pressured to have perfect parties and gifts. But, it’s just a few weeks out of the year. If something doesn’t go perfectly, remember that it will pass. Focus on the things that have gone right today.

* Don’t compare. Avoid social media if it makes you feel bad about yourself. You don’t have to have the biggest centerpiece to have a happy holiday.

* Give yourself permission to relax. You don’t have to do everything for everyone. You’re only one person. Find time for your own needs. This can be one of the best things you can do for yourself. Take a walk, a warm bath, a yoga class or sit and read a favorite book or magazine. Some time for you will help you feel less stressed and more relaxed.

Source: American Psychological Association

Interesting Facts – Toys for girls and boys

572: The number of locations in the U.S. that primarily produced dolls, toys and games in 2015. This is an increase of 12 locations from 2014 (560). These locations employed 6,394 people, an increase of 179 employees from 2014 (6,215). California had the most, with 90 establishments.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Overcome Perfectionism

SUCCESS OVER STRESS

“Anything worth doing is worth doing well.”

“Practice makes perfect.”

“Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”

“Failure is not an option.”

In today’s perfection-obsessed culture, these are the maxims we live by. Yet the damage they cause can be stifling.

Perfectionism, for some people, is just a preference for order, or a drive to be the best they can be, but it is a choice, says Ann W. Smith, author of Overcoming Perfectionism: Finding the Key to Balance & Self-Acceptance and a relationship expert.

“I see two types of perfectionists. The overt perfectionist is easy to see, they are orderly, organized and a little uptight. They may be critical of others and hard to please. Some overt perfectionists are focused on social standards and how others should be,” says Smith.

“The covert perfectionist does not appear perfect in many areas of life but has a mental committee of critics who pressure them to be better; very self-critical and tends to make comparisons to others and does not measure up. They are especially challenged by relationships where they do not feel adequate or good enough. Coverts tend to be more self-oriented, concerned about their own performance and less about others.”

Perfectionism has been linked to anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, lower relationship satisfaction, and fear of intimacy.

Smith outlines how the pattern can be changed: “I see it as a 3-stage process. First they need to see and evaluate the pitfalls of it and how it began. If it is not a problem, it doesn’t need to change. If it is causing problems or is not a reflection of your values, it is important to make changes. Second is what I call ‘Becoming Me’ where a perfectionist looks closely at who they really are. It is important to be real and slowly practice letting others see who you are. The third step is to let go of expectations and forgive yourself for past mistakes. It is a time to begin accepting yourself and others as is.”

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026