Stress is Contagious
A new study from the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig and the Technische Universitat in Dresden, Germany, had found that stress is contagious. Just watching someone experience a stressful situation can raise our own levels of the stress hormone Cortisol by as much as 40% if we are in a relationship with that person, and by 10% when they are a stranger to us. The study found no differences between men and women. This means that even the most relaxed, stress free individuals can suffer second-hand stress on a regular basis. The solution is a radical expansion of awareness. This works on two levels. Read more