Stress (roughly the opposite of relaxation) is a medical term for a wide range of
strong external stimuli, both physiological and psychological, which can cause a
physiological response called the general adaptation syndrome, first described in
1936 by Hans Selye in the journal Nature.
Stress can directly and indirectly contribute to general or specific disorders of
body and mind. Stress can have a major impact on the physical functioning of the
human body. Such stress raises the level of adrenaline and corticosterone in the
body, which in turn increases the heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure and
puts more physical stress on bodily organs. Long-term stress can be a contributing
factor in heart disease, high blood
pressure, stroke and other illnesses.
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