The Physical Toll of Stress: A Comprehensive Overview.
When encountering stress, the body's fight-or-flight response is activated, causing a cascade of hormonal events known as the HPA axis. Chronic stress, which is a consistent feeling of being pressured or overwhelmed for a long period of time, can lead to severe physical and emotional damage. Symptoms of fight-or-flight system activation include rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, pale or flushed skin, dilated pupils, and trembling. To reduce chronic stress, it's important to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and practice stress-reducing activities like mindfulness, exercise, and journaling.