Environmental Triggers and Body Stress

According to an article in the January issue of Better Homes and Garden, environmental triggers can sett off body's stress response without you even realizing it, says psychologist Shelly Carson, Ph.D.  Below are four annoyances worth nixing:

1. Amient Racket: Studies show that back-ground noise, say from a TV droning in another room, stimulates the release of the stress hormone cortisol.  If you can't quiet the clamor, try to distance yourself.

2. Wordrobe Woes: Itchy sweaters, too-tight hosiery pumps that pinch can all cause stress.   An uncomfortable ensemble can leave you on edge all day.  So when choosing an outfit, don't focus on how it looks until you consider how it feels.  Not comfy? Slip on something else.

3. Chronic Clutter: It's not how much stuff you have; it's how you store it.  Stress sets in when objects are hard to find or appear disorderly.  Two quick moves that help: Clear tabletops and pick up loose objects from the floor.

4. "Urgent" E-Mail: E-mails cause more stress for women than men because women feel greater pressure to respond immediately.  So try turning off your e-mail alerts, and check your in-box when the timing is right for you.