The Principles of Emotional Intelligence

•To get on top of stress, we must first carefully identify the common

and recurring sources of stress in our lives.

• Stress can be reduced and managed through changes in physical,
  attitudinal, and behavioral habits.


• Longevity and successful aging are linked to stress management habits.
  •A ready wit and sense of humor not only lower stress but also attract
  others to you.

Medical science is not yet sure about the effect our mind has on causing
or preventing cancer, but they do know that stress activates the body’s en-
docrine system, which messes with the immune function. Robyn Post, in an
article on lowering cancer risk, reported that researchers at the University of
Pennsylvania injected mice with tumor cells, then gave them electric shocks.
The mice were divided into two groups—one was allowed to escape, the
other wasn’t. The mice that lacked an escape route developed tumors at a
much higher rate. One theory states that feeling helpless lowers the immune
response, even for a mouse.

89

FEELING HELPLESS OR

TAKING CHARGE

“ Motivation will get you started, but it

is habit that keeps you going.”

—JIM RYAN

11

CHAPTER ELEVEN