Stress: Your brain and body

“What is stress and can it be good for you? Does it kill off your brain cells and can it cause depression? How does your brain perceive a terrifying situation and prepare your body for survival? Your body’s stress response kicks in when you perceive you are under threat. Mammals have evolved this superb mechanism to ensure we have the best possible chance of survival when faced with a life-threatening situation. Imagine you are in the jungle and you hear movement behind you. You stop still, heart pounding and turn your head to orientate your eyes and ears to the sound. You see the undergrowth trampled as you hear an animal pounding towards you – then you hear the lions roar. At times like this you’d want every muscle in your body to work to the peak of its ability – and your brain to be super-alert. Evolution has obliged, and given you the stress response.” Ref