When we’re stressed out, our body’s internal chemistry changes. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone alongside adrenaline and norepinephrine, surges. As a result, blood sugar levels increase and more of that glucose is allocated to the brain.
That’s good — the chain reaction helps our bodies in the so-called “fight-or-flight” response, which has a deep evolutionary history and dwells within us even today. When potential predators were around, our ancient ancestors needed that extra boost to figure out whether to take them on or run away. Nowadays, the same biochemical responses spring into action to help us react quickly when we’re under pressure.
The Harmful Effects of Chronic Stress
Our bodies, however, no longer only trigger the fight-or-flight response when we’re seriously threatened. The same processes are triggered when we’re late for work or arguing with family members. And after dealing with a pandemic for over a year, many more Americans are becoming acquainted with prolonged psychological stress, according to the American Psychological Association's poll, Stress in America 2023: A Nation Recovering from Collective Trauma. Often times, our response to this stress can be more harmful than helpful.
