Occasional stress is actually the body's normal response when facing pressure. The problem arises when stress continues and the body never seems to get a chance to really calm down again. In conditions of chronic stress, hormones such as cortisol continue to be involved in regulating the body's response. If it lasts for a long time, this condition can disrupt the balance of various body functions, including the way the immune system works.
Interestingly, chronic stress does not always mean the immune system immediately "shuts down". The immune response can change and become less balanced. In the long term, this condition can affect inflammation, body recovery, sleep, and the ability to deal with various health problems. So if you are experiencing prolonged stress, maintaining sleep, physical activity, diet, rest time, and finding ways to manage stress is not just a matter of feeling more comfortable, but is also part of maintaining overall body health.
