Unravel the complexities of the human stress response. Explore its triggers, physiological effects, and the intricate balance between stress and well-being. Delve into the science behind this universal yet personal experience, and learn how to navigate its impact on your life.
Chronic activation of this survival mechanism impairs health
A stressful situation can trigger a cascade of stress hormones that produce well-orchestrated physiological changes.
- Unfortunately, the body can also overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening, such as traffic jams, work pressure, and family difficulties. Over time, repeated activation of the stress response takes a toll on the body.
Techniques to Counter Chronic Stress
Relaxation response
- Dr. Herbert Benson, director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, has devoted much of his career to learning how people can counter the stress response by using a combination of approaches that elicit the relaxation response.
- Movement therapies such as yoga, tai chi, and qi gong combine fluid movements with deep breathing and mental focus
- Social support
- People who enjoy close relationships with family and friends receive emotional support that indirectly helps to sustain them at times of chronic stress and crisis.
Sounding the Alarm
The stress response begins in the brain (see illustration).
- When someone confronts an oncoming car or other danger, the eyes or ears send the information to the amygdala, an area of the brain that contributes to emotional processing. The amygdala interprets the images and sounds, and instantly sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus.
Command center
This area of the brain functions like a command center, communicating with the rest of the body through the nervous system so that the person has the energy to fight or flee.
- After the amygdala sends a distress signal, the hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system by sending signals through the autonomic nerves to the adrenal glands, which in turn, pump the hormone epinephrine into the bloodstream, triggering changes in the person’s heartbeat, pulse rate, blood pressure, and other vital organs.
