Stress and the body

The steps

1. Built for action

   When you face a challenge, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline, and the heart beats faster and stronger. Stress also raises cortisol.

   Stress response (HPA axis)

   Sources: healthdirect Australia, Stress; InformedHealth.org (IQWiG), NCBI Bookshelf, In brief: How does the nervous system work?; Pathology Tests Explained, Cortisol

2. The cortisol signal

   A hormone called ACTH tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol, which helps regulate blood glucose and reduces inflammation.

   Cortisol

   Source: Pathology Tests Explained, Cortisol

3. When it will not switch off

   Stress becomes a problem when it lasts a long time or feels overwhelming. Long-lasting stress can affect breathing, blood pressure, digestion, sex drive, immunity, skin and hair.

   Chronic stress (allostatic load)

   Source: healthdirect Australia, Stress

4. Stress and sleep

   Anxiety and depression are among the causes of insomnia, and relaxation techniques are one of its treatments.

   Trouble sleeping

   Source: healthdirect Australia, Insomnia

5. A brake you control

   When anxious, people tend to take small, shallow breaths. Deliberately copying a relaxed breathing pattern seems to calm the nervous system.

   Slow, relaxed breathing

   Source: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Breathing to reduce stress

6. Training attention

   Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and meditation can help you manage stress, and a doctor or psychologist can help if stress is hard to manage.

   Mindfulness and meditation

   Sources: healthdirect Australia, Stress; Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Breathing to reduce stress

Quiz