Stress is your body's natural response to physical and psychological challenges or threats. During moments of stress, the body releases two hormones called epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol that trigger a chain of events to help you better cope with stressful situations.
Stress can be a positive thing, helping you overcome obstacles and push yourself to new levels of personal growth. But when stress is persistent, it can be damaging to your health, reducing your immune response, increasing your risk of certain infections, raising your blood pressure and risk of heart disease, and sapping your concentration, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being. Read more in Verywell.