Researchers at UCLA [1] have found that simply thinking about what's important to you can decrease the negative effects of stress.

Though it really seems too easy, the study [2] revealed that people who reflect on the personal values, ideas, accomplishments, qualities and/or relationships that bring them joy or satisfaction have lower cortisol [3] levels. An excessive amount of the hormone cortisol contributes to stress-related illnesses.

David Creswell, the psychology graduate student who led the study – published in the November issue of The Journal of Psychological Science [4] [paid members only] – says the findings are the first of their kind.