The stress and strife of daily life can take a toll and even our chromosomes may be affected. Chromosomes are capped at their ends by protective structures called telomeres, which play a key role in cell division. Telomeres shorten, however, every time a cell divides, which ultimately sets a limit on cellular lifespan; the telomeres of individuals under great stress unravel even faster. An enzyme called telomerase, however, helps maintain and repair telomeres and a recent study suggests that intensive meditation training may increase telomerase activity in immune cells.