Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the body's response to it, on the other, which involves multiple systems, from metabolism to muscles to memory . The response to stress is not just widespread, affecting almost all systems of the body and brain, but it is automatic, triggered by any perceived threat or demand that exceeds a person's ability to cope.
How Stress Affects Your Health
Short bursts of stress aren’t inherently harmful, although it can take time for the body to calm down. Yet prolonged or repeated arousal of the stress response can have harmful physical and psychological consequences. The repercussions include ailments from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and depression .
Over time, prolonged stress can lead to changes in many systems of the body. It can activate inflammatory pathways and promote many of the disorders associated with aging. Persistent stress can lead to compromised cardiac function and gastrointestinal issues, to say nothing of depression and anxiety.
Ongoing stress assaults the immune system , making us more vulnerable to disease. Although stress hormones ready the body for emergencies, the immediate effects on the immune system prove deleterious when they are sustained over a long period of time. Prolonged production of the stress hormone cortisol suppresses immune cell production and creates chronic, low-grade inflammation. There is a reduction in natural killer cells and lymphocytes, increasing susceptibility to viruses and infections and delaying recovery.
Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are naturally produced every day so that people can take on the challenges ahead. But marinating in high levels of stress hormones over time is a brain changer. Most notoriously, sustained stress assaults the hippocampus, essential for memory . Memory impairment, cognitive difficulties, anxiety, and depression are just a few of the brain consequences of prolonged stress..
Explore More About Stress
For a comprehensive understanding of stress, read our complete guide: