Stress Archive

Articles

Chronic stress may raise women’s stroke risk

A 2025 study found that chronic stress is associated with higher stroke risks among women under 50, but not in men.

Sleeping better when you have pain

Approximately 50 million adults experience some daily pain. These people usually encounter fluctuations in pain during the day, but in many cases, the pain worsens at night, disrupting sleep. Many strategies can be adopted to prevent and manage nighttime pain, such as doing a pre-bedroom relaxation routine, creating a healthy sleep environment, reframing negative thinking, changing sleeping positions, and using supportive pillows.

Cold plunges: Healthy or harmful for your heart?

The purported health benefits of cold plunges include less stress, better sleep, and enhanced immunity, but the evidence is thin. While the practice may ease muscle soreness after intense exercise, it may have detrimental effects on gains in muscle power and strength. Because the shock of cold water on the skin can raise heart rate and blood pressure, people with cardiovascular disease (especially heart rhythm abnormalities) should avoid the practice.

Work stress linked to poor heart health

According to a 2024 study, people who reported work-related stress were more likely to have unfavorable measures of cardiovascular health than those without that stress.

Ease anxiety and stress: Take a (belly) breather

The stresses of daily life can keep us in a state of constant tension. Learning to belly breathe can help ease your body's response to anxiety and stress.

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