Short-term stress may even has a positive effect on us. It encourages creative thinking, dynamism and motivation to work. On the other hand, prolonged or repetitive stress can be destructive or harmful to our body. Therefore, too much constant stress can have quite a negative impact on our long-term health.
Healthy stress should only be temporary. When the challenge or the stressful event is behind us, the heart rate and breathing should slow down and the muscles should relax. In a short time, our body must return to its natural state, without any long-lasting negative effects. Severe, frequent or prolonged stress can be mentally and physically harmful. And this happens quite often.
How do we recognise this?
Stress slows down our normal functions – the immune and digestive system. All energy or reserves are focused on rapid breathing, blood flow, attention and the use of muscles.