How stress affects our body
- RRHS ScienceNHS
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
By: Judy Lee-
Stress is something humans all feel in life. Whether it’s from studying for semester finals or sorting out bills as adults, it’s pretty much everywhere. As stress becomes a normal part of everyday life, many tend to look over the mental and physical damages stress does to individuals. At first glance, the impact may not feel that significant but as the stress prevails in the long term, it gives rise to a potential threat to the individual.
It may come as a surprise to some people, but stress is actually a defense mechanism. Triggered by our body’s “fight or flight” response, the symptoms we feel when we’re stressed, such as our heart racing or being anxious, are our body preparing to react quickly in case of an emergency. The “fight or flight” response is when hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released in our brains, increasing heart rate and blood pressure while sending more energy to muscles. This is what helps us to stay alert and act under pressure.
However, despite this positive intention, problems tend to arise when stress becomes constant instead of temporary. When the stress response keeps firing, day after day, it tires out the body and no longer serves a protective purpose, but rather induces more negative symptoms. Such symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, and increased depression.
Understanding how stress affects the body is crucial because it reminds us that stress doesn’t merely exist in our heads. Setting time aside for hobbies, getting enough sleep, and participating in physical activities throughout the week can make a big difference, giving the body something else to lay its focus on and take a break.
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