Stress and the effects of stress may be reduced or eliminated if you just stop and relax. If you learn how to rest your mind and body during the day by using deep breathing techniques and relaxation you could easily reduce or even prevent many stress-related problems. Some or all of the following may occur when you are stressed. . . Your heartbeat increases to pump blood throughout the necessary tissues with greater speed, carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells and clearing away waste products more quickly. As your heart rate increases, the blood pressure rises.
Breathing becomes rapid and shallow.
Adrenaline and other hormones are released into the blood. The liver releases stored sugar into the blood to meet the increased needs for survival. Muscles tense for movement, either for flight or protective actions. Blood flow is greatly constricted to the digestive organs. Blood flow increases to the brain and major muscles.