If you feel like a stress case now, I just want to let you know that it could affect how well your memory functions in your future. Not that I want to add to your worries, I just provide another reason why it is important to keep your attitude in check.

A recent study followed 1,256 men and women, all who were nearly 77 years old for over 12 years. Participants received medical and mental evaluations annually. Those participants with the highest degree of psychological distress (negative emotions) were about 42% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment. The impairment was not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia, but marked enough to be noticed and labeled "develop mild cognitive impairment." The connection between stress and memory was more marked in men than women, although the reasons for the difference remain unclear.

Since people's basic tendency toward negative emotions doesn't shift drastically over short periods of time, it is good to start cultivating a positive attitude and learning techniques for dealing with stress. If you are looking for some ideas on how to relax, here are a few different ideas for you to check out.