The Stress Concept

Stress is the body's natural response to challenges or demands, activating a "fight-or-flight" reaction. When faced with a stressor, the brain signals the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare you to handle the situation—either by confronting it or escaping. While this response can be helpful in urgent situations, ongoing or excessive stress can impact physical and mental health, leading to issues such as fatigue, anxiety, or compromised immune function. Understanding stress involves recognizing how environmental, emotional, or physical pressures influence our body's responses and finding ways to manage or reduce these pressures effectively.