Pain itself is a stress on our bodies as well as worry, sadness, conflict in relationships, and in the world around us. The system in our body that helps to regulate stress is called our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) which includes the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systems. Our ANS controls many processes in our body including our heart rate, breathing, digestion, metabolism, muscles, and our sleep patterns. Pain, stress, and the Autonomic Nervous System can be defined as stresses that involve a physical, mental, and/or emotional factor that generates physical or mental tension. Stresses can be external, such as those from the environment, psychological, or socially-induced situations. Existing illness, a recent medical procedure, work, or relational stresses also impact our stress and depression levels. Pain and stress can change the way our ANS works to manage these systems in our body.