A recent study by a PhD student in Sweden has found that constant stress may increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The test, performed on mice, showed higher levels of hormones associated with stress were present in the test subjects that showed impaired learning and memory. While this research was not performed on humans, previous research has indicated that if stress hormones are chronically elevated they can lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Further study on people is still needed.
With this information, we can add another reason to limit the stress in our lives to the list. We already know that stress is not good for our health and this study confirms that even further. Here are five ways to de-stress quickly and keep your brain free of those bad hormones:
- Start the day relaxed. Waking up about ten minutes earlier than you need to can give you some time to yourself. Don’t worry about what is to come or go through a mental checklist of the things you need to accomplish, just enjoy the moment and sit quietly thinking positive thoughts.
- Breathe deeply. Try a natural breathing exercise meant to release tension. Breath in as deeply as you can, holding your breath for a count of two before exhaling slowly. By the time 10 minutes is up you should already start to feel less stressed.
- Take a walk. A 10 minute walk at a brisk pace will get your blood flowing, lungs breathing better, and head cleared. Stepping away from the situation that is causing you tension will help you feel better. You may find yourself forgetting about it and thinking about other things or maybe you will be able to think more clearly about a way to solve a problem. Bonus: You are getting exercise at the same time.
- Surround yourself with things or people you love. The idea is to change your mood. Light a candle you really like the scent of, listen to your favorite song, or chat with a friend who makes you laugh. Anything that will perk you up.
- Write out the positive. Keeping a journal is a great stress reliever. Better than getting all your frustration out on paper though, which you can read and relive the cause of your stress, is writing the positive things in your life. This will allow you to refocus on the good and eliminate the bad energy.
Let’s start reducing our risk of Alzheimer’s disease by trying one of these tricks. Unfortunately many are already victims and, worse yet, the number of individuals with this disease is growing. MAS Home Care, a provider Rhode Island home health care, specializes in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. If you know someone who could benefit from home care services, call our North Providence, RI location.