How Stress Influences Our Body

In this mini book How Stress Influences Our Body, part of the Corps & Esprit collection from Five Minutes, the author offers a concise dive into the mechanism of stress and its systemic effects. The book shows how the fight or flight response releases adrenaline and cortisol to protect us, but how chronic activation alters the heart, metabolism, immunity, fertility and the brain. Drawing on research from 2024-2025, each chapter explains how hypertension, obesity, diabetes, sleep and memory disorders or depression can stem from stress. The work also explores social factors (work, isolation, discrimination) that exacerbate stress and distinguishes stimulating eustress from exhausting distress. A second part provides evidence based solutions : regular exercise, restorative sleep, nutrition, mindfulness, social support and time management. Rich in references and advice, this accessible guide helps transform stress into a driver of resilience. In just a few pages you'll understand why stress affects you and how to act now to protect your well being.