Overview
- Acute stress is described as adaptive, but chronic exposure keeps the body’s alarm active via a hypothalamus-driven release of adrenaline and cortisol.
- Research cited in the articles reports that prolonged cortisol can affect the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex, influencing memory, emotion and decision-making.
- Downstream health effects reported include higher cardiovascular risk, weakened immune defense, digestive disruption, skin and hair problems, and impaired sleep and energy.
- Sociological framing argues that norms and learned emotional memories shape what feels threatening, with productivity expectations sustaining elevated stress.
- Recommended responses combine exercise, relaxation techniques, balanced diet, quality sleep and social or professional support with a proposed shift to measuring work by results rather than hours.