Your body’s intense reaction to stress, explained

your heart begins to race and you start to sweat. These are all signs that your body is preparing to “fight or flight.”

Seeing the snake, your eyes send that information to your brain – specifically, your hypothalamus, the part of your brain that secretes hormones that alert the rest of your body that it’s time to “fight or flight.”

This is what happens to your body when you encounter stress.

five key symptoms of fight-or-flight system activation:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
• Pale or flushed skin
• Dilated pupils
• Trembling

What does chronic stress do to the body?

Our bodies and minds are well-equipped to handle the occasional acute stress situation. But imagine if that snake were following you around, startling you as you round every corner (shudder!). That would be chronic stress and it’s not good for you. 

Tips for how to reduce stress in your daily life

Is stress turning your hair gray? How to tell and what to do about it.

More:What are the signs you need a stress test?

The answer might surprise you.

Is it trauma or something else? How to recognize trauma in others.

Article source: https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/736899968/0/usatoday-lifetopstories~Your-bodys-intense-reaction-to-stress-explained/