Stress: what it does to your body and simple ways to manage it
Key points
- The Office on Women's Health (US) says stress affects everyone differently.
- The Office on Women's Health (US) says high stress levels can raise your blood pressure and heart rate.
- MedlinePlus (US) says stress that lasts a long time can harm your health.
- The Office on Women's Health (US) and ODPHP (US) name deep breathing and physical activity as ways to manage stress.
- ODPHP (US) says you may need help if your stress does not go away or keeps getting worse.
What stress is and what it does to your body
The Office on Women's Health (US) says stress is how your body reacts to certain situations. These can be sudden danger or a challenge that goes on for a long time. MedlinePlus (US) describes stress as how your brain and body respond to a challenge or demand. The Office on Women's Health adds that stress affects everyone differently. [1] [2]
The Office on Women's Health (US) says high stress levels can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Tension that lasts a long time can bring on headaches, migraines, and aches and pains in the body. Stress can also cause trouble sleeping and a weaker immune system, which is the body's defense against germs. [1]
MedlinePlus (US) says stress that lasts a long time can harm your health. It also says people can get used to the signs of stress and not notice there is a problem. ODPHP (US) agrees that long-term stress can lead to health problems. [2] [3]
Simple ways to manage stress
The Office on Women's Health (US) suggests taking deep breaths. It notes that to feel rested, most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. It says physical activity can relax your muscles and lift your mood. It also advises trying not to cope with stress in unhealthy ways. [1]
ODPHP (US) says deep breathing and meditation, a practice of quiet focus, can help relax your muscles and clear your mind. It says regular physical activity can help prevent and manage stress. ODPHP also points to eating healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins, to give your body energy. It advises against using alcohol to change your mood. [3]
Other people can help too. MedlinePlus (US) suggests regular exercise and asking family or friends for support. ODPHP (US) also says to tell friends and family if you feel stressed. [2] [3]
When to see a doctor
The Office on Women's Health (US) says that if you need more help managing stress, you can talk to a doctor, nurse, or mental health professional. [1]
MedlinePlus (US) advises getting help if you have severe symptoms for 2 weeks or more. It also says to get help right away if stress makes you have thoughts of suicide, feel you can't cope, or use drugs or alcohol more often than usual. It adds that a health care provider may send you on to a mental health professional. Examples are a psychologist or a social worker. [2]
ODPHP (US) says you may need help if your stress does not go away or keeps getting worse. It advises talking with your doctor about depression if you feel down or hopeless, and about anxiety if you feel anxious. [3]
Sources
- Office on Women's Health (US): Stress and your health (opens in a new tab). Last updated September 26, 2025.
- MedlinePlus (US): Stress (opens in a new tab). Last updated October 20, 2023.
- ODPHP (US): Manage Stress (opens in a new tab). Last updated July 6, 2026.
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