Stress causes your body to release chemicals that warn your body to danger so that it can defend itself. Short-term stress is common and even helpful since it teaches you how to handle difficult situations and develop resilience. Stress may harm your health, though, if it persists or occurs regularly.
To assist preserve homeostasis, your body activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) when it detects threat (stability when adapting to change). Additionally, this approach aids in preparing you to deal with any risk, real or imagined.
The body’s reaction to stress is influenced by the SNS. To aid in the “fight or flight” response, it produces the stress chemicals cortisol and adrenaline. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) assists your body in returning to normal once an acute stressor has passed.
The glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that includes cortisol. Because of the significant part it plays in the stress response, it is occasionally referred to as “the stress hormone.”
The adrenal glands, which are found above the kidneys, are where cortisol is made. By releasing glucose from storage to be utilized as energy, it supports the stress response. You may manage the tense circumstance with the help of this energy.
Inducing the fight-or-flight response, cortisol:
- Causing the release of glucose, which gives your strong muscles rapid energy.
- Preventing the creation and breakdown of glucose so that it is accessible rather than being stored
- Reducing blood flow via the arteries and increasing blood flow to the heart and big muscles
The stress reaction is advantageous in the short term. You wouldn’t be able to respond appropriately to risky circumstances without it.
However, persistent stress is harmful and can lead to health issues, many of which are caused by extended exposure to stress chemicals.
Following are a few strategies for managing immediate stress and preventing chronic stress:
- Routinely exercising
- Frequent consumption of a range of wholesome meals
- getting adequate, high-quality sleep
- Exercising your muscles to relax establishing and sustaining a social network of allies
- Using breathing techniques like box breathing or deep breathing
- Using mindfulness exercises like yoga, guided imagery, or meditation
- Executing an innovative action
