Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the body

Finding a way to chill may benefit long-term health

stressed out graphic

STRESS MESS  Scientists are figuring out how chronic stress — from recurring pain, unemployment, poverty, caring for a sick spouse and other sources — puts a burden on the body.

Jeff Rogers

Ask anybody — stress is bad news. The negative view of stress has been expressed so consistently that the concept is now built into our vernacular, which is spiced with advice on avoiding it: Take it easy.