Save yourself

 

I watched a National Geographic special last night about the affect of stress on health. I have already read some of Sapolsky’s books such as ‘Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers’ and ‘A Primate’s Memoir’ so I already knew there is a connection between stress hormones and early death. Stress hormones that evolved to help us survive in the wild are now shortening our lives. Diabetes, heart disease, arterial plaque, ulcers and many unnamed other diseases have been directly related to stress.

Sapolsky’s research also showed something I had not heard before. The colony of baboons that he was studying twenty years ago was decimated by an epidemic. The individuals who died were the nasty tempered alpha males while the ones who survived were the easy going, lower ranking social males and females who spent a lot of time in social activities such as grooming. Those left after the epidemic did not fall back into the harsh, abusive behaviors. Male aggression against each other and females ceased. New males who migrated into the community took about six months to assimilate and leave the aggressive male behavior behind.

Encouraging ideas in light of recent human violent behavior.

Current common wisdom is that to lessen stress you should exercise, eat right, and breath deep. Pray, say mantras, take some ‘me’ time.

That doesn’t seem to be the case. Instead, try being part of the greater good, look in on your neighbors. Don’t be greedy or selfish. Embrace instead of lashing out. Encourage and celebrate other people’s accomplishments. Not only will you live longer, but you'll enjoy life more.

Nancy Sherer

 

 


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