Key takeaways
- Stress is a normal body reaction. The health concern is stress that is frequent, intense and unrelieved.
- Warning signs include poor sleep, tension, irritability, digestive upset and trouble concentrating.
- Regular activity, sleep, social support and relaxation practice all have research behind them. Persistent distress deserves professional help.
What stress is
Stress is the body's response to a demand or threat. The brain triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which raise heart rate and blood pressure and prepare muscles for action.[1] (source 1)
This reaction is valuable when you need to react quickly. It becomes a problem when the demands are constant and the body never gets to return to rest.
Common signs of too much stress
- Trouble sleeping or waking tired
- Muscle tension, headaches or jaw clenching
- Irritability, worry or feeling overwhelmed
- Stomach upset or changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
These signs have many causes. If they last for weeks or interfere with daily life, speak with a clinician.
Where to go next
- How stress affects the body
- Stress management techniques
- Stress at work
- Stress in children and teens
- The relaxation response, the body's built-in counterweight
Common questions
Is all stress bad?
No. Short-term stress can sharpen focus and motivation. Harm is associated with stress that is long-lasting or very intense.
Can stress make you physically ill?
Research links long-term stress with higher risk of heart disease and with changes in immunity, but stress is one factor among many, including genetics, behavior and environment.
Sources
- McEwen BS. Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators. N Engl J Med. 1998;338(3):171–179. doi:10.1056/nejm199801153380307