Yes. The hormone cortisol spikes at key times—when your body perceives a “fight or flight” moment. It’s what gives you that bolt of energy and strength while reducing sensitivity to pain during a threat or dangerous event. With that, your adrenalin rises, digestion slows and autonomic nervous functions are altered.

You don’t have to confront a bear in the woods for that to happen. Traffic, hard work day and chronic stress can instigate the cortisol spike . . . and actually impair your body’s ability to move on to a relaxation response and normal functions.

What does that do to your body over the long term? Plenty.

• lowers bone density
• reduces muscle tissue
• raises blood pressure
• adds pounds, especially belly fat
• impairs thyroid functions
• upsets blood sugar balance

Set a healthier course for 2012 by making stress-reducing strategies part of your everyday life. Journaling, aerobics, yoga, meditation and breathing exercises are a good start.