The physiological response to stress is the result of a physical evolution to protect us from harm of stress but that can be hijacked and cause harm when we lose control. This is what neuro-endocrinologist Bruce McEwen at Rockefeller University, NY, says. He explains that in a normal situation, the introduction of stress causes the body to deliver a boost of energy, sending a surge of glucose to the muscles and to increase heart rate, blood pressure and breathing to get oxygen to the muscles in a hurry. At the same time, blood vessels constrict and clotting factors increase, ready to slow the bleeding in case we are wounded. This is the fight -or-flight response. Once the stress has passed, all these physiological responses should subside. However, for people who are repetitively and consistently under stress, the physiological response is never switched off leaving sugar levels unregulated (in other words, insulin does not have effect), high blood pressure, increased risk of blood clots (ictus), depressed sex drive and an immune system buckling under the strain. Prolonged exposure to stress also affects the brain by altering the structure of neurons and their connections, which, in turn, influence behaviour and hormonal processes. It is therefore important to know how to deal with stress on a daily basis!