With everything going on in the world today, it’s no surprise that Americans from all walks of life are more stressed out than ever. And that’s not even counting the personal and professional pressures that always seem to come to a head this time of year. In order to maintain good mental and physical health in the face of all that stress it’s important that we find meaningful ways to relax. As this U.S. Health article makes clear, failing to find ways to manage your stress level can a negative effect on your life. As we become stressed, our adrenal glands flood our bodies with hormones that trigger our flight or fight response.

While that response can save your life in a situation where you need to move and react quickly, if t is being triggered on a regular basis, it can take a toll on your endocrine system. As this US News & World report article points out, overtaxing your adrenal glands can lead to fatigue, weight gain and an inconsistent sleep cycle. The only thing that can modulate that stress response is taking time out to relax on a regular basis. Doing things as simple as listening to your favorite music, getting a weekly massage and hitting the gym a few times a week will go a long way in improving your overall quality of life.

Read the full article here: More Stressed Than Normal? 5 Signs You’re Suffering From Adrenal Fatigue