User:Jand1990/Stress (biology)

What Is Stress?
Stress is a standard reaction that occurs in all people. Naturally, when an individual experiences changes or challenges, known as stressors, their body produces physical and mental responses. Stress tends to stem from a person's daily routine, such as from work or school. Stress in a person's workplace can be a result of various overwhelming thoughts. For instance, the pressure of meeting expectations, a fear of being laid off, and a lack of control over their work. Social pressures, challenging assignments, busy schedules, and test anticipation can trigger stress in students. Both types of stress can lead to poor health and injury. In general, the human body is created to encounter stress and be aware of how to react to it. Responses to stress allow the body to adjust to new situations. Stress, although bothersome, keeps people alert, motivated, and prepared to avoid danger.

Chronic Stress and Eating Patterns
Chronic stress can impact the body's use of nutrients and calories in multiple forms. Stress places a significant demand on the body for energy, oxygen, and nutrients. People who encounter chronic stress may desire foods high in calories and fat but deficient in nutrients (processed snacks). Consequently, stress can disrupt sleep, it may make it lighter or more infrequent, which induces fatigue during the day. Studies have discovered that sleep restriction induces a substantial growth in cortisol levels.

How to Control Stress
There are a variety of ways to control stress, for example, one can participate in physical activity. Exercises such as walking lower stress hormone levels and blood pressure. They also boost a person's heart rate and breathing, which permits more oxygen to contact cells throughout the body. Certain aerobic workouts reduce tension in muscles, such as the heart. Consequently, meditation is a relaxing activity people can do from the comfort of their own homes. It has been reported that meditation training may restrict the reduction of protein structures known as telomeres.