What happens in the body under stress?

Stress is an integral part of every person’s life. This feeling of anxiety, tension and pressure can occur in various situations – both in everyday life and at work. But do we know what exactly happens in our body when we experience stress? In this article, we will take a closer look at this phenomenon, considering its impact on our body and psyche.

The capabilities of our body

Our body is incredibly flexible and can react to various situations. It works like a complex machine that has a built-in defense mechanism to get through difficult times.

What is stress?

Stress is the body’s response to situations that are perceived as dangerous or require an immediate response. Our brain receives a stress stimulus and triggers a series of physiological processes to prepare us to fight or flee.

Fight or flight, or brain chemistry

One of the key elements of the stress response is the release of adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones prepare our body for action. Our heart beats faster, our muscles become tense, and our senses become heightened. This is the result of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response.

When stress doesn’t go away…

Unfortunately, in today’s world, many of us experience chronic stress. This can lead to serious health problems, both physical and mental. Our body is not adapted to constant stress, which can lead to problems with the heart, digestive system and even autoimmune diseases.

Cortisol and obesity

Cortisol is another hormone that is released in response to stress. In the short term, it may help mobilize energy, but in the long term it may lead to obesity. Cortisol increases appetite, especially for high-calorie food, which may result in excessive weight gain.

Stress – destructive to the brain, contributing to depression

The brain also suffers under chronic stress. Stress can damage nerve cells and lower levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which can increase the risk of depression and other mental disorders.

Stress and immunity

Our immunity is also sensitive to stress. Chronic stress can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and diseases. It is worth reducing stress, especially during periods of increased risk.

Your suggestions

It is worth considering what stress coping strategies are best for us. There is no one way that will work for everyone. For some it may be meditation, for others it may be physical activity, and for still others it may be psychological therapy. It is important to look for solutions that help us reduce stress and take care of our health.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about the effects of stress on the body, we recommend reading other articles on this topic. Knowing this can help us better understand how to take care of our mental and physical health in the face of everyday challenges.

In summary, stress is an inevitable part of our lives, but we can learn to deal with it in healthier ways. Understanding our body’s response to stress can help us make more informed decisions and take care of our health on many levels.