Most of us know that eating well and exercising is important for good health. Yet often we hear about people 100 years old and older that are still vital and have not eaten perfectly or exercised much. What is the secret of their good health?
Research indicates that a major factor in good health more important than genes, food, or exercise is how we handle stress.
Our bodies are equipped with a fight or flight mechanism that enables us to mobilize our strength when necessary. This mechanism allows us to fight or flee from real and present danger. However, this mechanism is also activated when we BELIEVE there is danger, even when no actual survival danger exists.
For example, it is appropriate for the fight or flight mechanism to activate if you are being physically attacked. When the stress response is activated, blood is taken from our brain and organs and put into our arms and legs to enable us to fight or flee. Our immune system shuts down to give us more energy to physically protect ourselves and ensure our survival in the moment. Once the danger is over and we have discharged the stress through fighting or running, our bodies go back to normal...