Stress is an inevitable part of everyday life. Whether we’re tackling daily chores or facing major life events, our bodies react to these demands, known as ‘stressors,’ with a series of chemical and physiological responses in the human body. Individual sensitivity to stressors can vary due to factors such as our unique body chemistry and past experiences. Sharon Horesh Bergquist in her insightful TED-Ed video animation, “How Stress Affects Your Body,” explains how our body’s stress response, designed to provide a quick burst of energy and alertness, can become a double edged sword when activated too frequently or intensely. The video provides an insightful exploration into the physiological toll of chronic stress.

In this video, you’ll learn about:

-) The Stress Response: Stressors such as intense study sessions or looming deadlines trigger our adrenal glands to release hormones like cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), and norepinephrine, swiftly increasing the heart rate and blood pressure to prepare us for action. However, prolonged exposure to these stress hormones can lead to chronic conditions such as hypertension and contribute to the buildup of arterial plaques, heightening the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

-) Impact on Digestive Health: Beyond causing butterflies in our stomachs, stress disrupts the rhythmic contractions of our gut, leading to digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome and increased sensitivity to stomach acid, making us more likely to experience heartburn.

Stress also alters the balance of gut bacteria, critical for overall digestive and immune health.

-) Metabolic Effects: Cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” not only ramps up our appetite but also promotes the storage of visceral fat around our organs. This active fat is linked to serious health issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.

-) Immune System Response: Dr. Bergquist illustrates how when stress hits, our immune system initially kicks into gear, ready to fight off any threats. But if stress becomes chronic, it weakens our immune defenses over time, leaving us more vulnerable to illnesses and slowing our body’s ability to heal.

-) Long-Term Impacts: The video also shows how chronic stress accelerates cellular ageing by shortening telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes. This premature ageing process is associated with various health concerns, including skin problems, hair loss, and sexual dysfunction.

Overall, the video is extremely informative in explaining how stress affects our entire body. By seeing stress as something we can manage rather than something that overwhelms us, we not only perform better in the short term but also safeguard our long-term well-being. Dr. Bergquist emphasises that simple practices like mindfulness and regular exercise can make a big difference in keeping stress in check and in maintaining our overall health and resilience.

Watch the video here.

Image Credits: Francisco Moreno on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/photos/man-wearing-black-long-sleeved-shirt-wuo8KnyCm4I