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Stress
is what you feel when you have to handle more than you
are used to. When you are stressed, your body responds
as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that
speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give
you a burst of energy. This is called the "fight-or-flight"
stress response.
Some stress is normal and even useful. It can help
if you need to work hard or react quickly. For example,
it can help you win a race or finish an important job
on time.
But if stress happens too often or lasts too long,
it can have bad effects. It can give you headaches,
an upset stomach, back pain, or trouble sleeping. It
can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight
off disease. If you already have a health problem, stress
may make it worse. It can make you moody, tense, or
depressed. Your relationships may suffer, and you may
not do well at work or school. |