Last week was stressful. Seeing all that was unfolding on television, reading the reports and commentary created one level of stress. Also, hearing several periods of sustained gunshots getting closer to your house brings another level of stress. Simultaneously stressing to some persons is the buzz and beep of the smartphone devices like the ubiquitous BlackBerry whose social media applications ironically make most users very antisocial to those non-users around them.

What is stress?

Stress is defined in a number of different ways depending on the type of research being undertaken. One health encyclopaedia defines psychology stress as any event or situation that makes heightened demands on a person’s mental or emotional resources. Stress can be caused by overwork, anxiety about exams, money, job security, unemployment, bereavement, poor relationships, marriage breakdown, sexual difficulties, poor living or working conditions, and constant exposure to loud noise.

Stress causes a tremendous number of illnesses. Too much stress strains and reduces the effectiveness of the immune system; it constricts the blood vessels and arteries, raising blood pressure. This strain on the immune system leaves the body more vulnerable to illness.

Wine reduces stress

Wine in moderation has a number of health benefits. Wine reduces stress by relaxing the muscles that control arteries, aiding blood flow. The more easily blood flows through the body, the more easily the body is able to absorb nutrients, which strengthens the immune system against illness. The microorganisms that cause illness are too numerous to count. One wine’s healthy benefits is the presence of alcohol. When the alcohol from wine is present in the body, it is much more difficult for the microorganisms that cause illness and disease to survive.

Don’t overdo it, drink responsibly

Tremendous research has been on the subject of quantity, two glasses per day for men and one glass per day for women seem to be the recommended numbers that keep popping up. Balance in lifestyle and diet is also very important.

Other stress reducers

While sipping on your wine, do consider these other ways to reduce stress: Laugh; surround yourself with people and things that make you happy; make to-do lists; de-clutter your workspace and your mind will follow; eat properly and exercise; do yoga.

Cheers! Now go forth and drink a glass of wine today to relax, but please drink responsibly.

Chris Reckord is an entrepreneur and wine enthusiast. Please send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com . Follow us on twitter.com/DeVineWines.