What are Stress Responses?

Stress is like an alarm system in the body – it goes off when we feel threatened, angry, or challenged. This is referred to as the “fight, flight, or freeze” response.

Stress response cycle

What happens to the body under stress?

Blood sugar rises to give you more energy.
Breathing speeds up to give more oxygen.
Heart rate increases.
Blood is diverted to large muscle groups.
Perspiration increases.
Stress hormones cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are released to give the body a burst of energy.