Stress isn’t always the enemy. In fact, acute stress—the classic “fight-or-flight” reaction—can sharpen your focus, boost performance, and help you navigate immediate challenges. When your brain senses danger or a tight deadline, it floods your body with adrenaline and cortisol, which drive up your heart rate, sharpen your senses, and prime your muscles for action. Once the trigger passes, your system returns to baseline, leaving you better prepared for tomorrow’s tests.
Chronic stress, however, is a different beast. When stressors never let up—whether from work overload, financial worries, or persistent family tensions—your body remains stuck in high gear. Over time, that relentless flood of stress hormones wreaks havoc on virtually every organ system. Dr. Kim Anderson of the Eating Recovery Center explains, “It really can affect every organ system in our body—the respiratory, digestive, and cardiovascular systems,” and links high stress levels in women ages 18–49 to an increased stroke risk.
The good news? You have tools at your fingertips to dial down acute reactions and build resilience against chronic pressure. In the moment, diaphragmatic (deep) breathing can trigger your relaxation response almost instantly. A brisk 10-minute walk works wonders, too—physical activity competes directly with stress signals. Consistently getting enough sleep and exercising regularly further fortifies your body’s ability to recover, Anderson notes.
Knowing when to ask for help is equally important. The American Psychiatric Association reports that 70% of adults feel anxious about current events, 77% worry about the economy, and 69% fear gun violence. If stress interferes with work, relationships, or the things you normally enjoy—or if you’re experiencing panic episodes or leaning more heavily on substances to cope—it’s time to reach out to a mental-health professional. Early intervention can stop chronic stress from becoming a full-blown health crisis and restore balance to your mind and body.
