How stress management can benefit your physical and mental health

There are a multitude of reasons why people are stressed in their daily lives. Some stress points are situational or can be more general, such as family, work, school, and personal relationships. Stress can be overwhelming to bear alone, and without helpful ways to manage it, it can wreak havoc on the mind and body.

Stress is a biochemical reaction to something that creates tension, be it emotional or physical. When we experience stress, our brain goes into high alert as it prepares our body to respond to whatever situation comes its way. In these moments, our body initiates a complex process, part of which is the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, essentially preparing the body to fight, flight or freeze. While this process can save lives in truly dangerous situations, experiencing this stress reaction on an ongoing basis can have detrimental health consequences.