The point that some stress counsellors make is that threat situations arise for humans in many situations, from a much wider range of emotions than simple physical threat. In addition, we are socialised not to act in response. If your boss makes a derogatory remark about you, you can't easily respond, if you want to keep your job. As a result the bodily threat responses are not dissipated. Blood flow is to the muscles, resulting in tension, away from the viscera, resulting in poor digestion.
Heart rate remains high, and the sugar balance in the blood is inappropriate.
Under conditions of unresolved stress, adrenalin, noradrenalin, cortisone, thyroid hormone and growth hormone become elevated, while insulin, testosterone, oestradiol, and oestrone decrease. In addition, endogenous opiates, endorphins, produced as a defence against pain, may remain in the circulation, producing lethargy. The purpose of this diversion is to give a flavour of the dynamism of the body. You may be strolling in the park, you might buy an ice cream. It's time to go, and you see a bus on the way, so you break into a run.