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What is stress and how does it affect the body?

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Quick answer

Stress is the body's natural response to a challenge or threat — a surge of hormones that prepares you to react. Short bursts can be helpful, but constant (chronic) stress harms physical and mental health. It triggers the 'fight or flight' response via hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.

Key things to understand

  1. It triggers the 'fight or flight' response via hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
  2. Short-term stress sharpens focus and energy.
  3. Chronic stress harms sleep, mood, immunity, and heart health.
  4. Managing it: rest, exercise, connection, and techniques like mindfulness.

People also ask

What happens to the body during stress?
Hormones speed the heart, tense muscles, and sharpen focus, preparing you to act.
Is all stress bad?
No — short bursts can boost performance; it's chronic, unrelenting stress that damages health.
How can you manage stress?
Sleep, exercise, social support, and practices like mindfulness and deep breathing help.