By: Brianna Lowell October 6, 2017

Stress is the body’s response to any type of demand, good or bad. When faced with an unknown or threatening situation the body’s first response is to release hormones into the bloodstream. The heart then begins to beat faster, increasing the amount of blood flowing to large muscles and organs. Muscles begin to tighten as a way to protect yourself against any possible injury or pain. Along with these symptoms, breath begins to quicken, blood pressure rises, and senses become heightened.

        There are four main causes of stress known as Survival stress, Internal stress, Environmental stress, and Fatigue/Overwork. Survival stress occurs when a person becomes afraid that someone or something might physically hurt them. In this case, the body responds quickly with a burst of energy which makes it more likely for people to survive the dangerous situation or escape it. Internal stress is often caused by people who worry about things they cannot control. This type of stress is highly addictive and often times people find themselves searching for stressful situations. Environmental stress is the response to things around you such as noise, crowds, and pressure from work or family. Fatigue and overwork both build up over time and usually take a toll on the body. This form of stress can be caused by overworking, not being able to manage time effectively, and a lack of rest or relaxation.

        Low levels of stress are good for the body to experience every once in awhile. They help people stay focused, energetic, and alert. Stress can encourage people to rise to meet challenges and help people be productive in everyday life. Some psychologists believe that without low levels of stress people would have no reason to get out of bed in the morning.

        However, high levels of stress , chronic stress, can have negative effects on the body. Chronic stress is experienced for a prolonged period of time. Some of these physical symptoms include aches and pains, nausea, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and diarrhea or constipation. Apart from physical symptoms, chronic stress can also have an emotional toll on the body. It can cause people to have anxiety, moody behavior, a feeling of being overwhelmed, and an overall unhappy which can develop into depression.