How stress affects your body – Sharon Horesh Bergquist

Stress is an inevitable part of life. That’s why it’s important to learn how to manage stress now so you are prepared to deal with it over time, especially after you graduate from high school and become more independent. A certain level of stress can be beneficial and motivating, but when it goes beyond this level, stress can become a problem. When stress becomes too much to handle, your health, work and school performance and social life can all suffer. That’s because stress can affect your mood and even your ability to think clearly. Too much stress can also weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick. If left unchecked (i.e., chronic stress) health problems – such as high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, digestive issues, depression and anxiety – can sometimes develop and/or worsen.