Even minor stress can impact long-term health, study warns

That exposure to stress is a risk factor for many health problems, such as cardiovascular issues, anxiety and depression, and chronic pain, is a familiar idea.

Yet we may think that it’s only certain kinds of major stressors — such as getting fired, going through a breakup, or undergoing surgery — that significantly impact our lives.

But, recent research explains that even small stressors can harm our long-term health if we hold on to how they make us feel.

For example, a misunderstanding with a friend today might lead to health issues later in life if we let this stress factor carry over into the next day.

This is just what a study conducted by Kate Leger — from the University of California, Irvine — and colleagues concludes.

“Our research,” Leger explains, “shows that negative emotions that linger after even minor, daily stressors have important implications for our long-term physical health.”

These findings have now been published in the journal Psychological Science, of the Association for Psychological Science.

Read the whole story (subscription may be required): Medical News Today