<p>I just watched this show on the Discovery Channel called Killer Stress. That’s it - I don’t care what I have to do - I am not stressing out ever again! </p>
<p>I can’t imagine anything being more dangerous to health than stress. In summary it…
Kills brain cells
Causes high blood pressure and heart disease
Impairs the immune system
Increases body fat (especially on the abdomen)
Denotes position on the social hierarchy (as the higher the socioeconomic status, the less stress a person experiences).</p>
<p>If people could committ to a stress-free lifestyle, beginning perhaps with the college application process, that would be a lifelong gift to themselves.</p>
<p>Thank you, Laughability! What a unique story, although I’m not so sure that it’s the most reassuring anecdote. How is it possible to go to a school with “unique, nurturing environment” and yet not last a week?
I would love to know which school this is if possible, because I applied to an LAC in the south as well.</p>
<p>Some new threads talk about fixing information that was incomplete or inaccurate in an application, and that can be a good idea. Keeping up grades during senior year is an EXCELLENT idea. Updating admission files with new, IMPORTANT information is also a good idea. But worrying is still a bad idea. What’s done is done. If you can’t fix what already happened, don’t worry about that, but rather go about fixing something in the here and now.</p>
<p>i dont know about that correlation between social status and stress. i bet bush, obama have quite a bit of stress… not to mention all those high class wall street guys taking it in the face right now =p</p>
<p>I know what you mean - I was surprised to hear that as well. Check out the Whitehall Study (participants were government workers in the UK) - I believe that is what the show was based on. There was a correlating study based on baboons. The results of each were very similar. Those at the top of the social hierarchy (and also alpha males) may have more stress, but they do not experience it in as much of a physiologically damaging way.</p>
<p>Personally, stress actually decreases body fat. When I worry about things, I tend to be more productive. Laziness on the other hand… leads to fat.</p>
<p>I think smoking, being physically assaulted, getting any of a number of diseases, getting poisoned, being hit by a car, etc. might lead to more serious consequences than stress does… hard to believe i know</p>
<p>Anyway, there are a BUNCH of things that are more dangerous than one grade from high school, or one test score, and seniors shouldn’t worry at this time of year about anything that is now unchangeable about their college applications. Worry in general is a bad idea.</p>
<p>It’s not the time to worry, but it’s hard not to worry. Personally, I worry over everything that’s important to me, but it’s just a habit. I feel more anxious than worrisome, though. Is anyone else anxious?</p>
<p>My wife constantly reminds me that you shouldn’t worry about things you can’t control. It’s so true and great advice to all those out there that have a tendency to do this.</p>