We all know that stressed-out feeling: clenched jaw, frayed nerves, pounding heart, tense muscles. When a challenge in our environment seems overwhelming, beyond our control, the body releases stress hormones that prepare us to react. The problem arises when stress is constant, or too frequent. Excessive stress hormones can cause serious damage to our health. Stress is linked to cardiovascular disease, digestive ailments, reduced immunity, headaches, muscle tension and more. Learning to avoid stress and minimize our reactions to it is vital to our longevity.