Scientists in Germany have found a way to measure long-term stress in a person by analyzing the cortisol content in their hair. This has given them a look into the causes of – and ways to reduce – stress.
Through their studies, they found that mental training and mindfulness training can help lower stress levels in the long term. Because cortisol is released during stressful situations, it can help identify exposure to prolonged stress.
Six months of mindfulness training has been shown to reduce cortisol levels by an average of 25%.
Learn more about this study at https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/max-planck-meditation-long-term-stress/