Telomeres are DNA sequences that sit at the end of chromosomes. Think of them as a the protective caps at the ends of your shoelaces.
Telomeres get shorter every time a cell divides. When they get too short, the cell can no longer divide properly and eventually dies.
Telomeres are maintained by an enzyme called telomerase.
Telomeres are also subject to the ravages of stress, oxidation and free radical damage. Studies suggest that stress speeds up the process of telomere shortening, reduces telomerase activity and reduces our ability to fight off oxidative stress (which also speeds up telomere shortening)
Hypnotherapy can help you deal with stress in a more effective way. Studies have also suggested that relaxation techniques slow down telomere shortening and increase telomerase activity.
“Stress impacts health by modulating the rate of cellular aging. Here, we provide evidence that psychological stress – both perceived stress and chronicity of stress – is significantly associated with higher oxidative stress, lower telomerase activity and shorter telomere length, which are known determinants of cell senescence and longevity.” (Epel, Blackburn, Lin et al, Accelerated Telomere Shortening in Response to Life Stress, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 101 (49), 2004)