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The Impact of Stress on Your Body Stress is a term we hear frequently, and many of us experience it regularly. But what exactly is stress, and how does it impact our bodies? At Therapy and Performance Clinic in Warwick, we believe that understanding stress is crucial to managing it effectively. Here’s what you need to know. What is Stress? In simple terms, stress is your body’s natural response to perceived danger. It’s all about survival. When your body senses a threat, it activates the stress response to keep you safe. This response is part of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which controls unconscious functions like breathing, digestion, hormone production, and immune responses. The ANS has different branches, but the two most involved in the stress response are the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). The Sympathetic Nervous System – Fight or Flight The SNS is commonly known as the ‘fight or flight’ response. When activated, it sends signals through stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, alerting your body that you’re in danger. This causes your heart rate and respiration to increase, and blood is redirected from your digestive system to your limbs, preparing you to either fight or flee. The Parasympathetic Nervous System – Rest and Digest The PNS, on the other hand, is the ‘rest and digest’ system.