How does Stress work?
Stress is a physiological and psychological response that occurs when individuals face challenging or threatening situations. It activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, which involves the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic rate, preparing the body to react quickly. While short-term stress can enhance performance, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
Long answer
Stress is a complex response involving both physiological and psychological aspects. When an individual encounters a challenging or threatening situation, their body perceives it as stressors and triggers various biological pathways to prepare for action. The hypothalamus in the brain releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), stimulating the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol into the bloodstream.
Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” because it plays a crucial role in mobilizing energy reserves to cope with stress. It increases blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis (production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and inhibiting insulin release, ensuring adequate fuel for the body’s needs during stressful situations.
In addition to cortisol, the sympathetic nervous system also gets activated during stress. This leads to the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal medulla that causes immediate physiological changes such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and heightened alertness. These responses are part of our evolutionary fight-or-flight response designed to enhance survival in threatening situations.
The impacts of acute or short-term stress can be positive on performance by increasing focus and motivation. However, chronic or long-term stress can have detrimental effects on physical health as well as mental well-being. Constantly elevated levels of cortisol can disrupt various bodily functions including immune system functioning, sleep patterns, digestion, cognition, and cardiovascular health. Chronic stress has been linked to increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, the psychological aspects of stress can also be significant. Stress can impair decision-making, increase emotional reactivity, hinder memory formation and retrieval, and contribute to cognitive decline over time. Individuals may experience a range of symptoms including irritability, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep patterns when they are under prolonged stress.
Managing stress is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Strategies such as regular exercise, relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing exercises), maintaining healthy social connections and support networks, practicing mindfulness or meditation, ensuring adequate sleep hygiene and time for leisure activities can help reduce stress levels. Seeking professional help from therapists or counselors can also be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic or overwhelming stress.