This is how our cells change on a good vacation (and what happens to them if stress returns)

We do not realize it, but a large part of us live in conditions of almost continuous stress. Since the sound of the alarm clock snatches us from the arms of Morpheus until we try to fall into his arms again, we are usually subjected to different forms of stress that can affect us quite seriously. In fact, chronic stress is a serious enemy. physiological balance and one of the main triggers of diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, some neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and chronic inflammation. Essentially, diseases in whose origin they have a lot to do with life habits. Therefore, taking a break is important to unload stress and cellular damage to the body. The question is, do we really rest on vacation? Or do we get more stressed instead when we are part of rushing stampedes, traffic jams, airport queues, and beach umbrella races? Side Effects of Stress We constantly receive information in the form of sensory input from the outside, but also from the inside. This way we detect if we are hungry, thirsty, sleepy, pain, discomfort… Many of these sensations depend on nerve conductions, but others are produced because our cells and organs release substances that inform other cells and organs. We know these substances as local factors and hormones. For example, when we need to react immediately to defend ourselves from danger, we release substances such as adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol that activate the organs to produce a rapid response that either puts us on alert or, directly, it allows us to escape. These stress hormones request from our body a defensive or offensive response necessary for survival. We notice it immediately in symptoms such as dry mouth, sweaty hands, increased heart rate or headache. The problem is that, in general, we get stressed when we are in the office, on the sofa, at home, in the supermarket or even chatting with friends. In these situations, our body receives danger signals, but our muscles and organs do not respond to them (we do not flee or fight). When this “contradiction” is perpetuated over time, it causes us serious problems. Chronic stress keeps our cells in a state of continuous activation that ends up producing molecular and cellular damage, chronic inflammatory responses and a whole set of collateral effects that affect our health. The solution? Take life with a bit of calm. Necessary relaxation: the effect of endorphins and other hormones Rest and relaxation have more than proven beneficial effects on cells. For now, scientific evidence indicates that rest and restorative sleep help to eliminate the damage accumulated in these and to recover the natural rhythms of sleep and wakefulness. Melatonin or “sleep hormone” plays an essential role in this regard, because activates the removal of damaged cell structures. This prevents cell waste from accumulating and prevents neuroneurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s from progressing. On the other hand, a pleasant vacation releases endorphins in our body. Known as the “happiness hormones,” these are small proteins that stimulate the centers of pleasurable emotions in the brain. They are considered endogenous opioids and our neurons release them when we are in relaxing, happy situations and when we exercise. Although the molecular effects of these neurotransmitters are not completely clear, some indications indicate that they can prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Another neurotransmitter that is released when we are relaxed is serotonin, another substance also known as the “happiness hormone”. Its deficiency has been associated with multiple diseases, especially chronic fatigue, but also with dementia or the severity of covid-19. Vacations improve health Taking all these factors into account, enjoying a relaxed vacation that takes us away from the daily stress is important to recover the physiological balance that allows us to maintain good health. Just lowering the levels of stress hormones, while increasing those that produce pleasure and relaxation, helps cells eliminate accumulated damage over time and prevent multiple diseases. It is not necessary to go to exotic destinations or dream beaches: just put aside the pressures, rest without worries and enjoy. With this we gain a lot in health and our cells appreciate it. And when the holidays are over, it would not hurt to keep in mind how good well-organized rest is for our body. Guillermo López Lluch is a professor in the Cell Biology area. Associate researcher at the Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology. Researcher in metabolism, aging and immune and antioxidant systems, Pablo de Olavide UniversityThis article was originally published on The Conversation.You can follow EL PAÍS Salud y Bienestar on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.