Did you know that up to 90% of all doctor's visits are linked to stress-related factors? Stress can wreak havoc on your body. It can cause headaches, indigestion, bloating, increased blood pressure, chest pain or palpations, and difficulty sleeping. A recent study conducted by Ohio State University found that stress raises a chemical marker known as LBP, which indicates the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. Apparently, stress can cause stomach contents to leak from the gut, which can result in inflammation. And we know inflammation is bad for us, as it can raise the risk of developing different illnesses.

The good news is that there is a lot that you can do to help combat stress. An article from Sixty and Me points out three good tips to keep in mind.

The first is simply to acknowledge that you are stressed and start looking after your body. Easier said than done, right? If you get stressed by simple things, such as a slow cashier, then do self-checkout so you're more in control. By acknowledging the situation causing you stress, you can either be aware of and change your reaction or simply avoid the situation.

Another thing you can try is meditation. Benefits include less anxiety, less perspiration and a better sense of overall well-being. Many people experience a relaxing response through meditation.

The last tip is to not be so hard on yourself. Try and keep your mind from wandering towards bad thoughts and if you find it going down that road, then focus on what you're thankful for and try taking deep, relaxing breaths.

http://sixtyandme.com/3-simple-techniques-to-use-when-you-are-feeling-stressed/