This week we’re talking all about stress and how it affects the body. From the election to the pandemic to home schooling, stress levels for many of us are at an all time high.

Chronic stress can have real adverse effects on the body. It activates our sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” response) which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, inflammation, and blood sugar levels. Higher levels of stress has been associated with many chronic conditions, including heart disease. A few recent studies have demonstrated that these elevated stress levels may be affecting our heart health.
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One study published in JAMA recently found an increase in a stress related heart condition, called stress cardiomyopathy (or broken heart syndrome), since the start of the pandemic. Stress cardiomyopathy is a type of heart condition in which the heart pump suddenly becomes very sick in response to a traumatic event. It is thought to be due to a sudden change in hormones. Researchers in the study found that compared to pre-pandemic levels, incidence of stress cardiomyopathy was 4 times normal. 
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Another recently released study found that the rates of heart attack were 67% higher in the 2 days following the 2016 election than a more typical day.
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So what can we do to help ourselves reduce stress and improve our health? Dr Nicole Harkin recently spoke with The Beet, and commented

“I've been recommending a focus on positive affirmations, such as a daily gratitude practice. Studies have shown that individuals who participate in what the literature refers to as ‘positive psychology interventions’ have improved indicators of well-being and depression,” explains Harkin. “It is particularly important for those of us with  chronic illness, and in a pilot study, it has even been found to be helpful in patients hospitalized with a major heart attack.”

Harkin recommends a variety of ways to practice gratitude, either by actually journaling gratitude or positive life events, or looking forward to planning future events, or practicing daily acts of kindness, or simply writing down your own unique strengths. “Personally, I've had a lot of major life changes this year, and have found that taking a moment to journal what I'm grateful for to be so uplifting,” she says. 

Reminding you to take care of yourselves my friends. Choose nourishing foods when possible, move your body when you can, find time to spend in nature, and get those 7-8 hours of sleep.

Read More: 7 Self-Care Tips to Help You Amid COVID from Health Experts