Stress: How deep does it go?

When you get right down to it, stress is a pretty amazing thing.

It was developed thousands of years ago as a way to save ourselves.

Lets think this through: an average day of walking around, suddenly we spy something dangerous.

Our body has milliseconds to respond.

The brain sends out a signal to kick things up so cortisol is released.

In response, our blood sugar increased so we have extra energy; our pulse picks up so we can get that energy to our muscles, and a few other key things happen to we can fight for our lives or get the h*ll out.

This system still works well today, the only problem is that it works too well.

Late for work? Stress.

Bills overdue? Stress.

To do list too long? Stress.

The trigger may be vastly different, but our body's response is the same.

And we are paying a BIG price.

All that cortisol is resulting in high blood sugar levels, All The Time.

This is not good.

There is now research showing direct links between stress, depression and type 2 diabetes.

The system our body uses to save us is literally killing us.

So next time you're late for work, take a deep belly breath and relax.

The next time a bill is overdue, take a walk and relax.

When that to do list gets too long, close your eyes and picture yourself on a tropical island.

After all, you're no good to yourself or anyone else if you're dead.