It can affect everything including your digestive system, your heart and blood vessels, your lungs, your muscles, your immune system and of course, your mind and emotions.
So health experts are trying to help people reduce their stress.
Jefferson's Mindfulness Institute holds mindfulness-based stress reduction classes, where students learn simple meditation practices that can help them cope with stress and find more joy in life.
Cori Grachek says the techniques have calmed her.
"I have more pause, so rather than being reactive, I have a lot of pause as to when I am dealing with something in the moment," said Cori.
Instructor Diane Reibel says it can help anyone dealing with stress, medical problems or who are trying to break bad habits.
"All of these practices ultimately help you to see what's in your own inner landscape, and gives you the opportunity to make some changes," explained Diane Reibel.
For Molly McCoy, it's helping her cope with years of suffering with back pain.
"I am able to not let it sort of overwhelm me emotionally," said Molly McCoy.
But if you are thinking meditation seems too difficult, Diane says if you are committed, you will see benefits quickly during the 8-week course; even more so if you continue.
"I will say that very rarely do we hear anyone say anything but wow, this really helped me, really changed my life," said Diane.
Another beginner's program is starting on January 30th. It is an 8-weekprogram, and costs about $500. But there are some discounts.
There are also other programs in our area. The University of Pennsylvania also has several classes.
Jefferson's Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction:http://www.jeffersonhospital.org/departments-and-services/mindfulness.aspx or call 215-955-1376
The next program starts January 20, 2012
Penn Program for Mindfulness:
Introduction to Mindfulness
Open to the public
January 23, University City, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
January 25, Radnor: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Open to the public
Classes Start Week of January 30 in PA, NJ
This highly-acclaimed 8-week program course will teach you a variety of meditation techniques to help you to cultivate relaxation, clarity and stillness in your day-to-day life. You will learn to recognize your unique reactions to stress, to find more effective ways to respond to stressful situations, and discover how to use your own inner resources to find greater health and well being. Eight 2-½ hour weekly classes and one full day Sunday session.
For more information, visit: www.pennmedicine.org/mindfulness
