What happens when you are stressed?
Stress is not imaginary – it is a biological reaction.
When your brain perceives a strain, it activates the stress system: adrenaline and cortisol are released, heartbeat and breathing speed up, muscles tense up. Your body prepares itself for “fight or flight”.
The acute stress reaction
- Adrenaline kick: Energy is provided in a flash.
- Sharp focus: Attention is directed toward the threat.
- Physical activation: Heartbeat, blood pressure, and breathing increase.
- Shutdown of resting functions: Digestion, recovery, and creativity take a back seat.
In the short term, this is helpful – it makes you capable of peak performance in critical moments.
When stress becomes chronic
Stress becomes problematic when it doesn’t subside anymore:
- Cortisol remains permanently elevated.
- Regeneration does not occur.
- Sleep worsens.
- Immune system and metabolism suffer.
The body is in a constant state of alert – with consequences for health and well-being.
Your next step
Stress reactions are normal – but they should be temporary.
The key is to bring your body back into balance.
The bestforming app supports you with this:
- with breathing exercises that calm your nervous system,
- with routines for recovery and sleep,
- with tools that help you recognize stress early.
Get the app and learn to control your stress reactions – for more calm, energy, and health.