Stress: A helpful response turned invisible threat

Stress isn’t always our enemy. It began as a vital biological reaction: when faced with a threat, our brain triggers a defense mechanism—releasing adrenaline and cortisol to heighten alertness, raise heart rate, and mobilize energy. This "fight or flight" mode was designed for survival.

But in today’s world, our threats aren’t predators—they’re overflowing inboxes, deadlines, work pressure, and social tension. The result: stress becomes chronic and constant, slowly turning toxic to the body.

High cortisol over time acts like slow acid. It weakens immune defenses, disrupts hormones, damages memory, and throws off metabolism. Eventually, it paves the way for chronic diseases that often remain silent for years.

From heart to brain: how stress damages the body

Latest research (2024–2025) highlights the wide-ranging impact of long-term stress:

  • On the heart: higher blood pressure, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke

  • On metabolism: weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes

  • On immunity: weaker defenses against infections

  • On fertility: hormonal disruption affecting both men and women

  • On the brain: memory loss, impaired focus, anxiety, and depression

Stress doesn’t always make noise—but it shapes our long-term health silently, acting as a hidden epidemic.

Social stressors and the psychology of overload

It’s not just full calendars that cause stress. Environmental and social conditions matter deeply. Isolation, job insecurity, discrimination, or emotional overload all amplify our stress response.

The stress of a corporate executive isn’t the same as that of a single parent or a student living in financial uncertainty—but the biological effects often converge.

It’s essential to distinguish between eustress, a positive motivating force, and distress, the kind that leads to exhaustion and chronic illness.

Science-backed tools to manage stress

The second part of the book isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. Based on behavioral science, it offers immediate and practical solutions:

  • Physical activity: boosts endorphins, lowers cortisol

  • Restorative sleep: builds recovery

  • Anti-inflammatory diet: ditch the sugar, focus on omega-3s and whole foods

  • Mindfulness meditation: proven to calm the brain’s fear center

  • Social support: being heard and understood makes us stronger

  • Time management: boundaries, priorities, and the power of saying no

The goal isn’t to eliminate stress entirely, but to recover from it efficiently.

A 5-minute guide to resilience and well-being

In How Stress Influences Our Body, Léwis Verdun condenses cutting-edge science into an ultra-accessible format. You’ll understand why stress affects you—and what you can do about it—within just 5 minutes.

Part of the Body & Mind collection from FIVE MINUTES, this short yet powerful book is ideal for professionals, students, caregivers, or anyone who wants to take control of their stress response.

Order your copy of How Stress Influences Our Body now and transform tension into resilience.