Blog — stress resilience

Stress, Cortisol, and the Hormonal Loop of Anxiety When the body perceives danger, the brain activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis — an internal alarm that releases cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. For short-term challenges, cortisol is beneficial. It sharpens focus, boosts energy, and prepares muscles for quick action — the classic “fight or flight” response that once ensured survival. When Stress Becomes Chronic Trouble begins when stress never switches off. Prolonged cortisol exposure interferes with healthy brain function, damaging neurons in the hippocampus (responsible for memory) and the prefrontal cortex (which governs decision-making and emotional control). As these areas...

Stress is something nearly all of us experience — in fact, 55% of Americans report feeling stressed daily, and the majority cite work or school as the primary cause. Among U.S. employees, a staggering 83% experience work-related stress, while students, from middle school to college, are increasingly feeling the pressure too. A significant number of college students even consider dropping out due to emotional strain.