Why NOT to stress out over things you really can't control.

So, I felt like writing a new blog, and the first subject that came to me is stress in people's life. Stress is today's expression of the previous millenium's 'fight or flight' response- basically, your body and brain are recieving mass amounts of adrenaline and other chemicals. Obviously, this was useful back in the day when you were being chased by a bear, but, again, obviously, you weren't chased by a bear every day. Your body wasn't made to get huge doses of these chemichals on a regular basis. These chemicals were made to ensure your immediate safety- which means everything else (growth, reproduction, the immune system, blood flow to the skin) goes on hold. As you can see by the importance of these "on hold" areas, repeated and long term exposure to these chemicals can seriously damage your health. So why are we as a society always so stressed out over thigs that we can't control? Take these for example.
1. (my favorite<3) TRAFFIC. Look, you're stuck bumper to bumper, you can't get through... so why get mad? You can't drive through the cars. Just turn on your radio, and smile. Enjoy the weather, make up a story in your head, something. There's nothing you can do, so why get mad?
2. POLITICS. You voted, right? Well you've done just about everything you can do within reason, unless you want to get out and run for office yourself, or start a massive movement. Again, just smile. A positive outlook can do wonders. Just try to do the best you can with your family and your values.
3. ANYTHING SOMEONE ELSE SAYS TO YOU. Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me. You will not change someone else's opinon, you just won't. So don't freak out about a rude comment or pushiness or a different opinion. It's just a bunch of sound waves in your ear. SMILE and go about your day. Even if this person is someone you love and respect, if they are treating you badly, it means that they are unhappy. That doesn't mean you have to be.
And those are just examples. Deepak Chopra has some really great advice. If you feel upset or stressed, STOP and think about it. What's REALLY making you unhappy? If it's something you can't change anyway, look at it with a positive point of view. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it can do wonders. I mean, don't get me wrong, there's more than likely going to be stress in your life. But here's a good indicator of if you have too much: you can be whatever during the day, but if you come home in the evenings and go to bed stressed out, you're pushing it. You need to be able to recenter and be happy and calm for a period each day- that happiness and calmness needs to be what is your base, your foundation for life. NOT stress. You aren't just damaging yourself mentally, you're doing serious harm to yourself physically. So my challenge to YOU is to stop and think next time you're stressed about something- it could change your outlook on life.