Stress may affect you at a microscopic level, according to new research. This recent study reveals that exposure to a stressor can significantly change the community of microbiota living in your body. What are microbiota exactly? They are microorganisms that live on the surface and in deep layers of skin, in the saliva and mucous membranes, in the eyes and in the gastrointestinal tracts. While scientists still aren’t certain of the overall impact these changes will have on your body, stress is never a good thing. Stress can even lead to obesity as it makes us produce more ghrelin, a hormone that spreads in the stomach. While ghrelin helps to lower stress, it simultaneously triggers a shift in appetite toward more calorie-rich foods. So while stress is, for many, a normal part of life, reducing stress as well as your waistline is a good idea. 

• Take a nap. Research shows that taking a 45 to 60-minute nap during the day could lead to lower blood pressure. While you should be getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night, if you are unable to do that, an afternoon nap can relieve some stress.

• Find your one true love. People in committed relationships are less stressed out. A recent study showed that when put in stressful situations, people in stable relationships demonstrated lower levels of stress than single folk.

• Get to the gym. Working out for 30 minutes a day three to five times a week could be what you need to lift your spirits and blow off some steam. Yoga is also a good way to clear your mind and get focused on your goals.

If you feel that stress is becoming such a large issue that it is affecting your day-to-day life, there are many that will offer advice, counseling and meetings. Failing all of the above; remember that you can always try to spit your stress away.

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