When we are under stress, our bodies respond with the ‘fight or flight' response. Researchers believe that this reaction is an ancient response that has allowed humans to survive as a species since prehistoric times. We know that the human brain responds to stress (both real or imagined) by sending signals to the part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus in turn activates the stress response by stimulating the nervous system. Finally, the nervous system creates changes in the body that get us ‘pumped up' to either stand and fight, or run away.
Effects of the ‘fight or flight' response: Even though we have evolved from the caveman days, this stress response is still with us and causes the same increases in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and muscular tension as it did to our caveman ancestors. Blood gets directed away from our extremities and digestive system into our muscles. Our pupils dilate to see more clearly, and hearing becomes clearer. These bodily responses mobilize us in the short run. If we cannot turn off the stress response, or if it is activated frequently for non-emergency situations, its physical effects can take a toll on our body and can become unhealthy.
Stress tampers with the body's effectiveness: The unhealthy effects of being chronically stressed result from a variety of physiological changes. As part of our response to stress, adrenaline and other hormones are released. Over time, these hormones may inhibit digestion, growth, and tissue repair, as well as the effectiveness of our immune and inflammatory systems.
