Stress (biological)

Stress is a feeling of tension or pressure caused by a situation in which you feel like you have no control. It can make you feel anxious, angry, or even afraid. When you experience stress, your body responds in a specific way to protect you. It triggers a physical reaction called the "fight or flight" response—your body's way of getting you ready to face a challenge or run away from a threat.

When you sense danger, your body gets ready to react by increasing your heart rate, breathing more quickly, and releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones give you a burst of energy so you can protect yourself or run away from the danger. After the danger has passed, your body usually goes back to normal.