In a nutshell. Chronic stress – or stress that goes on for a long time – creates a lot of wear and tear on bodily systems. Some of the possible downstream effects of stress on the body are listed on this slide. The ability of the body to bounce back and recalibrate is compromised under chronic exposure to stressful conditions that result in chronic fluctuations in neuroendocrine systems , something called “Allosatic Load” We all experience stress sometimes, and unfortunately many people live with unremitting stress and trauma. This has been called “Allostatic Overload.”

Stress takes its toll. Results include the blunting or downgrading of healthy mechanisms that turn off the overworked system. The stress system doesn’t shut down effectively and ultimately can cause break-downs in other physiological systems.

• Immunity
• Cardiovascular Functioning
• Metabolic Syndrome/Diabetes
• Obesity
• Memory and Cognition
• Sleep
• Gene Expression
• Aging
• Depression, Anxiety, Burnout

Think of a time when you experienced stress overload. Did it affect your body? Your health? Your sleep?