In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get carried away with the hustle and bustle of daily life. Studies show that stress is at an all-time high and is a contributing factor to many diseases and medical conditions. According to the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Harvard University, between 60 and 90 percent of all medical office visits in the United States are for stress-related disorders. Taking time to slow down, relax, and rejuvenate, however,

“When we become stressed, our bodies engage in something called the ‘fight or flight response’,” says Lisa Bozarth, certified massage therapist and owner of the Natural Healing Institute of Western Kentucky. “The fight or flight response refers to changes that occur in the body when it prepares to fight or run, and can include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and rate of breathing.”

Bozarth adds that over time, these reactions may raise cholesterol levels, disturb intestinal activities, and depress the immune system. “In general, they leave us feeling simply stressed out,” she states.

According to Bozarth, the good news is we also possess the opposite of the fight or flight response—the “relaxation response.” This response refers to changes that occur in the body when it is in a deep state of relaxation and can include decreased metabolism, blood pressure, heart rate, and rate of breathing, as well as feelings of being calm and in control.

“Meditating and other relaxation techniques, such as controlled deep breathing, therapeutic stretches, and massage have tremendous benefits on one’s physical and mental health,” says Bozarth. “Research has shown that meditation can help increase the quality and length of life, and can reduce chronic pain, anxiety, high blood pressure, and cholesterol and stress hormone levels.”