In prehistoric times, stress helped our ancestors focus on danger. By increasing the heart and breathing rate, by releasing hormones like adrenaline and by providing more blood and oxygen to the muscles and less to the digestive tract, stressful situations prepared the body for a “fight or flight” response. Nowadays, we react in a similar way when under pressure at work or feeling unsecure when facing life changes or traumatic events. Such stressful situations can trigger - or worsen existing - disorders, diseases or pathological conditions (1). Several cognitive functions, like memory or learning capability are negatively affected by chronic stress (1). Stress over a long period can also impair immune system, cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal tract and hormonal balance (1). Furthermore, stress is a risk factor for mood disorders such as burnout syndrome, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (2). Psycho-physical stress experienced during post- disease or surgery convalescence can have similar consequences.
