THE PHYSICAL PROCESS OF HOW STRESS AFFECTS THE BODY

When we succomb to sensations of stress, various changes affect our body:

• We enter the ‘fight or flight’ mode which alerts the adrenal glands to produce adrenalin and noradrenalin

• Calcium is released into the bloodstream

• Perspiration increases

• The sympthatic nervous system shuts down immune action and reduces bloodflow to the digestive system and to all ongoing processes of regeneration within the body

• Cortisol is released by the cortex of the adrenal glands to reduce allergic reactions and inflammation while simultaneously reducing immune activity

• The pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone to raise sugar levels in the blood to provide fuel

• Thyroid activity increases the heart rate and respiration, which increases blood pressure

We can see that, in the short term and in certain circumstances, all these processes can be very beneficial, even vital. However, when people are subject to prolonged stress in their daily lives, it can be extremely debilitating to not only their emontional wellbeing but their physical health.