The stress response is
essential for our well-being
In spite of its bad press, the stress response is essential for our well-being, both as an individuals and as a race. It's our body's way of preparing to fight or flee danger. For example, years ago if we were suddenly faced with a hungry bear, our body would behave in a certain way to optimise our chance of survival:
- Adrenalin would be released to give us that extra 'oomph'
- Blood and water would be redirected to our essential organs to our limbs so that they are primed to run
- Our breathing would speed up so we'd take in more oxygen
- Our short term memory and ability to think rationally would be suppressed, so we could react quickly
The problem is we still respond in exactly the same way now, even though the 'threat' is now something like a deadline at work or being late for an important appointment.
Have another look at the body's biological response to the hungry bear, and you start to understand why stress produces symptoms like shortness of breath and forgetfulness.
