Stress | Psychology Today United Kingdom

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en-GB" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#" itemscope="" itemtype="https://schema.org/FAQPage"> <head> <title>Stress | Psychology Today United Kingdom</title> <meta charset="utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" /> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push({"":"Psychology Today","entityLangcode":"en","page_type":"node","drupal_node_type":"reference","drupal_node_nid":"53964","drupal_node_title":"Stress","userUid":0,"event":"drupal_node_view","ContentWeb":"Basics"});</script> <meta name="description" content="Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the body's response to it, on the other, which involves multiple systems, from metabolism to muscles to memory. Some stress is necessary for all living systems; it is the means by which they encounter and respond to the challenges and uncertainties of existence. The perception of danger sets off an automatic response system, known as the fight-or-flight response, that, activated through hormonal signals, prepares an animal to meet a threat or to flee from it." /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Psychology Today" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Stress" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the body's response to it, on the other, which involves multiple systems, from metabolism to muscles to memory. Some stress is necessary for all living systems; it is the means by which they encounter and respond to the challenges and uncertainties of existence. The perception of danger sets off an automatic response system, known as the fight-or-flight response, that, activated through hormonal signals, prepares an animal to meet a threat or to flee from it." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/magazine_384x504/public/magazine/2024-10/2024-11.png.jpg?itok=MK2t-Nce" /> <meta property="fb:app_id" content="220580041311284" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0, maximum-scale=1.0, user-scalable=0" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta http-equiv="x-dns-prefetch-control" content="on" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#191C1F" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)" /> <meta name="theme-color" content="#F2F2F2" media="(prefers-color-scheme: light)" /> <meta name="alexaVerifyID" content="ruuD3Gzrr-EaY185APFbxF69Va4" /> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="G-wasBQCXXJoehIaVW5BsO9VYKt4oqmWGo155wSSakQ" /> <meta name="y_key" content="0f29d521db0a2863" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="9AD6650A37790044983CFB6B27D77607" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-capable" content="yes" /> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-title" content="Psych Today" /> <meta name="robots" content="index,follow" /> <script type="application/ld+json">{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "dateCreated": "2009-03-17T15:36:36-0400", "dateModified": "2024-06-27T23:44:25-0400", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress", "name": "Stress", "alternateName": [ "Stress" ], "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Stress" }, "mainEntity": { "@type": "DefinedTerm", "inDefinedTermSet": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics", "name": "Stress", "url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/stress" }, "mainContentOfPage": { "@type": "WebPageElement", "name": null, "text": "Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the body\u0027s response to it, on the other, which involves multiple systems, from metabolism to muscles to memory.\r\n\r\nSome stress is necessary for all living systems; it is the means by which they encounter and respond to the challenges and uncertainties of existence. The perception of danger sets off an automatic response system, known as the fight-or-flight response, that, activated through hormonal signals, prepares an animal to meet a threat or to flee from it.\r\n" }, "relatedLink": [ "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anxiety", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/brain-fog", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/burnout", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/depression", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/insomnia", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/time-management", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/vagus-nerve", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/acute-stress-disorder", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/insomnia", "https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder" ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Psychology Today", "url": 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body's response to it, on the other, which involves multiple systems, from metabolism to muscles to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/memory" title="Psychology Today looks at memory" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">memory</a>.</p> <p>Some stress is necessary for all living systems; it is the means by which they encounter and respond to the challenges and uncertainties of existence. The perception of danger sets off an automatic response system, known as the fight-or-flight response, that, activated through <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/hormones" title="Psychology Today looks at hormonal" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">hormonal</a> signals, prepares an animal to meet a threat or to flee from it.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="table-of-contents border-top"> <h4 class="table-of-contents--title">Contents</h4> <ul> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#what-causes-stress"> What Causes Stress? </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#how-to-manage-stress"> How to Manage Stress </a> </li> <li class="table-of-contents--item"> <a href="#how-stress-affects-health"> How Stress Affects Health </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="reference__sections"> <div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="what-causes-stress" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="h2 section-title" itemprop="name"> What Causes Stress? </div> <div class="section__body" itemscope itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-04/shutterstock_1061395643.jpg?itok=uSQxDRyh" width="180" height="180" alt="Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock" title="Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <div itemprop="text"> <p>A stressful event—whether it’s the sudden appearance of a snake on the path or the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/fear" title="Psychology Today looks at fear" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">fear</a> of losing your job when the boss yells—triggers a cascade of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/hormones" title="Psychology Today looks at hormones" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">hormones</a>, including adrenaline and cortisol, that surge through the body.</p> <p>These hormones increase heartbeat and the circulation of blood to support quick action, mobilize fat and sugar for immediate energy, focus <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/attention" title="Psychology Today looks at attention" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">attention</a> to track the danger, prepare muscles for movement, and more.</p> <p>But this lifesaving response was meant to solve short-term, life-threatening problems, not extended difficulties such as daily traffic jams or marital problems—a few of the many challenges that can hijack the stress response today.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> Why am I always stressed and anxious? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Many people today feel they perpetually struggle with stress and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/anxiety" title="Psychology Today looks at anxiety" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">anxiety</a>. Society’s obsession with <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/productivity" title="Psychology Today looks at productivity" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">productivity</a>, the steady stream of digital information we consume, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and feelings of overwhelm may <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/think-act-be/202004/why-am-i-stressed-and-anxious-all-the-time">contribute to the stress that so many are feeling.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What leads to chronic stress? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Chronic stress can often be <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-stress-proof-life/201711/stress-doesnt-look-stress-and-thats-problem">difficult to spot</a>, as it can emerge in the absence of a severe or acute incident. Different factors, such as a disrupted sleep schedule, feeling perpetually undervalued at work, and not having close relationships with friends or family members can all independently contribute to chronic stress. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are the signs of stress? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>The signs of stress include <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/insomnia" title="Psychology Today looks at insomnia" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">insomnia</a>, stomachaches, headaches, muscle tension, a racing heartbeat, and trouble concentrating, among others. Signs of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/burnout" title="Psychology Today looks at burnout" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">burnout</a>, a concept distinct from stress, include <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/prescriptions-life/201804/3-critical-signs-burnout">three key markers:</a> emotional exhaustion, <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/pessimism" title="Psychology Today looks at cynicism" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">cynicism</a> and depersonalization, and reduced personal efficacy.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pt-ad pt-ad--300x250 d-block d-none d-md-block d-lg-none block" id="block-ad-subpage-300x250-programmatically-rendered"> <div class="pt-ad--container pt-ad-show-text"> <div class="pt-ad--text"> <span>article continues after advertisement</span> </div> <div id="div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9" class="pt-ad--content"> <script type="text/javascript"> if (window.googletag && googletag.apiReady) { googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1404853927369-9'); }); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="how-to-manage-stress" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> How to Manage Stress </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-04/shutterstock_665619424.jpg?itok=0oqEmeFB" width="180" height="180" alt="Merla/Shutterstock" title="Merla/Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p>There are both physical and psychological approaches to blunt stress. Physical steps include <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/meditation" title="Psychology Today looks at meditation" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">meditation</a>, yoga, and exercise. Psychological strategies include leaning on loved ones or in more severe cases seeing a mental health professional.</p> <p>Since the stress response begins in the brain with the perception of danger or the unknown, researchers now believe that the most basic, and likely most effective, way to diffuse stress is to change the perception of certain situations so that they are not seen as stressful in the first place.</p> <p>Studies show that helping people see certain experiences—such as final exams—as demanding rather than dire protects them from the corrosive effects of stress while still delivering its positive effects, such as focused attention and speedier information processing. Changing the stress mindset not only minimizes the harms of stress, studies show, but it also enhances performance and productivity.</p> <p dir="ltr"></p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How do I manage stress? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Plan and organize your time, reflect on your values and strengths, and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. Additionally, reframe negative thoughts about a situation to neutral or positive thoughts so that you can see the full picture. Research shows that <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/what-matters-most/201701/10-new-strategies-stress-management">these strategies and others</a> can successfully curb stress.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> What are healthy ways to cope with stress? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>There are both healthy and unhealthy responses to stress. Unhealthy responses can include turning to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/alcohol" title="Psychology Today looks at alcohol" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">alcohol</a>, drugs, or gambling. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/prescriptions-life/201903/7-healthy-non-destructive-ways-cope-stress">Healthy coping strategies</a> include meditation, exercise, journaling, practicing <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/gratitude" title="Psychology Today looks at gratitude" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">gratitude</a>, and trying to let go of what is beyond our control.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How do I manage my work stress? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Instead of fixating on an overwhelming worry or responsibility, be specific about the tasks that need to be completed. Break each one down into small, manageable parts, and then focus on one at a time rather than trying to multitask. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/anxiety-files/201903/seven-steps-reduce-your-stress-work">These actions and others</a> can help bring work stress under control.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--4 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How do I cope with stress about the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/coronavirus-disease-2019" title="Psychology Today looks at coronavirus" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">coronavirus</a>? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Recognize the symptoms of stress—such as difficulty concentrating, irritability or sadness, and sleep problems—to know when and how to respond. Control what you can, and then try to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/modern-mentality/202003/coping-coronavirus-stress">release the concerns that you cannot control.</a> Additionally, limit news consumption, reach out to loved ones, and practice self-care.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="section section--separator"> <div id="how-stress-affects-health" class="section-anchor skip-inline-link-filter"></div> <div class="h2 section-title"> How Stress Affects Your Health </div> <div class="section__body"> <article> <img src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_180x180/public/2020-04/shutterstock_232966477.jpg?itok=eJanmN7b" width="180" height="180" alt="Rocketclips, Inc./Shutterstock" title="Rocketclips, Inc./Shutterstock" loading="lazy" /> </article> <p>Short bursts of stress aren’t inherently harmful, although it can take time for the body to calm down. Yet prolonged or repeated arousal of the stress response can have harmful physical and psychological consequences. Those repercussions include ailments from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/depression" title="Psychology Today looks at depression" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">depression</a>.</p> </div> <div class="faqs"> <div class="faq faq--1"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How does stress affect your health? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Stress can lead to changes in many <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/hope-relationships/201407/the-physical-dangers-stress">different parts of the body.</a> Stress can lead to a faster heartbeat, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal issues. It can lead to heavier and faster breathing, which can strain the lungs, and blunt the immune system’s ability to respond to threats.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--2"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How does stress harm the immune system? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Ongoing stress assaults the immune system, making us more vulnerable to disease. Although stress hormones ready the body for emergencies, they also <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/how-the-mind-heals-the-body/201411/how-stress-affects-the-immune-system">depress the immune system</a> by decreasing inflammation and decreasing white blood cell production. Stress may therefore contribute to illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and others.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="faq faq--3 collapsed faq--last"> <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity" itemtype="https://schema.org/Question"> <div class="faq--title d-flex"> <div itemprop="name" class="h3 faq--question"> How does stress change the brain? </div> <div class="faq--control-container"> <button class="faq--control"> <div class="faq--control-icon"> <svg width="13px" height="8px" viewBox="0 0 13 8" version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">  <desc>Created with Sketch.</desc> <defs></defs> <g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"> <g id="Tests---Listing-Page---SM" transform="translate(-490.000000, -597.000000)" fill="#2C2D30"> <g id="Left-col" transform="translate(74.000000, 162.000000)"> <g id="Table" transform="translate(0.000000, 426.000000)"> <polygon id="navigatedown" points="422.310547 16.3125 428.621094 10.0019531 427.62793 9 422.310547 14.3173828 416.993164 9 416 10.0019531"></polygon> </g> </g> </g> </g> </svg> </div> </button> </div> </div> <div itemscope="" itemprop="acceptedAnswer" itemtype="https://schema.org/Answer" class="faq--answer"> <div itemprop="text"> <p>Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are naturally produced every day so that people can take on the challenges ahead. But marinating in high levels of stress hormones over time can <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/memory-medic/201808/how-stress-changes-your-brain">prompt the brain to function differently, </a>leading to <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/memory" title="Psychology Today looks at memory" class="basics-link" hreflang="en-GB">memory</a> impairment, cognitive problems, anxiety, or depression.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-30e2d4865ee9268ac7ccb3995736af23a0192d621f9fc27399729d2fa76bfece"> <section class="basics--essential-reads"> <div class="h2 page-section-header">Essential Reads</div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5027486"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202411/the-rewards-of-supporting-a-stressed-out-partner"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/sunset-3392348_1280.jpg?itok=eMZSYKPo" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Image by Ki峄乽 Tr瓢峄漬g from Pixabay" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/why-bad-looks-good/202411/the-rewards-of-supporting-a-stressed-out-partner" title="The Rewards of Supporting a Stressed-Out Partner"> The Rewards of Supporting a Stressed-Out Partner </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> Is your partner stressed out? If you respond positively, you won't just be helping them; you'll be strengthening your relationship, too. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5027267"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-last-best-cure/202411/when-parents-are-overwhelmed-teenagers-suffer"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/substack4-1.jpg?itok=30VOO-6t" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="fizkes / iStock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-last-best-cure/202411/when-parents-are-overwhelmed-teenagers-suffer" title="When Parents Are Overwhelmed, Teenagers Suffer"> When Parents Are Overwhelmed, Teenagers Suffer </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> The way parents manage their own stressors is creating a mental health crisis for teens. It's possible to turn things around. </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="teaser--card-inset-details--row"> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5027195"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/helping-humanity-thrive/202411/do-you-make-a-chore-out-of-pleasure"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/relish_your_pleasures-PT-Teaser-Image-Large.jpg?itok=B_7IPNks" width="600" height="400" alt="" title="Envato Elements / wirestock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/helping-humanity-thrive/202411/do-you-make-a-chore-out-of-pleasure" title="Do You Make a Chore Out of Pleasure?"> Do You Make a Chore Out of Pleasure? </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> How to relish your pleasures. </div> </div> </article> <article class="teaser--card-inset-details blog_entry--teaser--card-inset-details" data-nid="5026757"> <div class="card-inset-details__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/creating-wellbeing-wherever-you-are/202411/5-micro-meditations-to-reduce-stress"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_3_2_600x400/public/field_blog_entry_images/2024-11/shutterstock_1421822594%20copy.jpg?itok=g4pttTdR" width="600" height="400" alt="Woman meditating." title="Breslavstev Oleg/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__body"> <div class="card-inset-details__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/creating-wellbeing-wherever-you-are/202411/5-micro-meditations-to-reduce-stress" title="5 Micro-Meditations to Reduce Stress"> 5 Micro-Meditations to Reduce Stress </a> </div> <div class="card-inset-details__teaser-text"> If you're feeling stressed and anxious, try these five ways to get into a meditative state, reduce your stress, and find a sense of calm. </div> </div> </article> </div> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="js-view-dom-id-37fb8daf0169090b944dd914729817164a653a2ba85bfe886dfeb0589fcab282 layout-container--grid--content-main-additional basics--recent-posts"> <div class="layout-content-main"> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027265"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/mental-wealth/202411/conquering-holiday-money-stress"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/Happier%20Holidays%20Are%20Possible%20for%20Perfectionists%20%286%29.png.jpg?itok=cHMUL3I1" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Canva" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/mental-wealth/202411/conquering-holiday-money-stress" rel="bookmark">Conquering Holiday Money Stress</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Holiday financial stress is real, but it doesn鈥檛 have to rule your season. Learn to reflect, reframe, set limits, and find joy without overspending. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Holiday financial stress is real, but it doesn鈥檛 have to rule your season. Learn to reflect, reframe, set limits, and find joy without overspending. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027540"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-power-of-slow/202411/leadership-in-the-age-of-outrage"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/sushil-nash-zc12yQIeHPw-unsplash_0.jpg?itok=VEg55dd4" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Sushil Nash/ Unsplash" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/the-power-of-slow/202411/leadership-in-the-age-of-outrage" rel="bookmark">Leadership in the Age of Outrage</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Outrage is on the rise, making leadership more challenging than ever. There is, however, a way to bring down the temperature. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Outrage is on the rise, making leadership more challenging than ever. There is, however, a way to bring down the temperature. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5027177"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/human-development-for-dummies/202411/how-monthly-payments-protect-children-saves-billions"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/shutterstock_2114224358.jpg?itok=sKZG8USf" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Ground Picture/Shutterstock" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/human-development-for-dummies/202411/how-monthly-payments-protect-children-saves-billions" rel="bookmark">How Monthly Payments Protect Children, Saves Billions</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Personal Perspective: Child tax credits can reduce child abuse and forcible family separations and improve children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Personal Perspective: Child tax credits can reduce child abuse and forcible family separations and improve children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. </p> </article> </div> <div class="teaser-listing-item"> <article class="teaser teaser-lg blog-entry--teaser" data-nid="5025978"> <div class="teaser-lg--main"> <div class="teaser-lg__image"> <a href="/gb/blog/a-little-knowledge/202410/stop-creating-stress-for-yourself"><img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_1_288x288/public/teaser_image/blog_entry/2024-11/pexels-olly-868704.jpg?itok=CTAOT52g" width="288" height="288" alt="" title="Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels" /> </a> </div> <div class="teaser-lg__details"> <div class="h2 teaser-lg__title"> <a href="/gb/blog/a-little-knowledge/202410/stop-creating-stress-for-yourself" rel="bookmark">Stop Creating Stress for Yourself</a> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--desktop"> Stress is like diet and exercise. If we are mindful, we can change our behavior and prevent stress just as we can improve our diet and exercise habits. </p> </div> </div> <p class="teaser-lg__summary teaser-lg__teaser--mobile"> Stress is like diet and exercise. 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