Most people are barely aware of the internal chemicals that their bodies use to subconsciously mediate their mood & responses to life’s situations, both positive & negative: the most detrimental being cortisol. Cortisol is part of the Fight or Flight response that allowed humanity to survive in dire situations, and operates admirably in short bursts, but unfortunately the challenges of modern life trigger its production almost continuously. When someone is stressed, their adrenal glands release cortisol into the blood stream where it travels to all parts of the body, over time causing indigestion, weight gain, sugar cravings, acne, restlessness, poor sleep, thirst & decreased immunity; that last being a literal killer.

Negative emotions also release cortisol: envy certainly, as do jealously & resentment, and reducing those negative emotions is what motivates people to persistently seek control. Having control over your life is the single most important factor in dampening cortisol production: people become more healthy physically & mentally. Industrialization & urbanization have both increased people’s negative emotions and reduced their control. Online social media & constant news exacerbate the feeling of helplessness even more. Evolution never intended humans to produce so much cortisol.

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