Someone jumps out in front of you, you realize you’re running out of time to complete an important task, or your boss calls you into her office. Your body releases hormones that speed up your breathing and heart rate, raise your blood pressure, and release glucose from your liver for energy—getting you ready to fight or flee. This rapid response evolved to help us deal with immediate threats in our environment. It is not designed to handle long-term, ongoing stressors.
To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in
Subscribe to Tufts Health & Nutrition
Get the next year of Tufts Health & Nutrition for as little as $18. And access all of our back issues and online content free of charge.
Subscribe today and save 36% off the regular rate!