Stress is sometimes talked about as though it's simply an emotion. It isn't. Stress involves a real physiological response throughout your body. When your brain perceives a threat or challenge, your sympathetic nervous system activates and stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol help prepare you to respond. Your heart rate can increase. Blood pressure can rise. Breathing becomes faster. Muscles tense. Energy becomes more readily available. Attention narrows. Digestion and other functions that aren't immediately essential can temporarily take a back seat. If you're running away from danger, that's incredibly useful. But your nervous system doesn't only respond to physical threats. An argument can activate it. A deadline can activate it. Financial worries can activate it. Sitting in traffic when you're late can activate it. Even lying in bed replaying tomorrow's responsibilities can keep your mind and body activated. Occasional stress is normal and adaptive. Chronic stress is different.
Sep15th 2026