Stress is a multifaceted physiological and psychological reaction of the body to various forms of strain or challenge, often perceived as a threat or an overwhelming situation. This response can be triggered by a wide range of external and internal stimuli, including physical, emotional, cognitive, and environmental factors. The body’s reaction to stress involves a complex interplay of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, leading to a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes.
Acute stress occurs as a short-term reaction to immediate challenges or dangers and can cause the body to go into a state of alert in order to respond quickly and effectively. Chronic stress, on the other hand, occurs when a person is repeatedly exposed to stressful situations over a long period of time without having sufficient recovery periods.