Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences (and something most of us are no strangers to!). It can be caused by average daily tasks like being stuck in traffic or having fussy kids, or serious life events like a car accident or serious medical diagnosis. Our bodies respond to this stress by releasing hormones that increase your heart and breathing rates and shunts blood to your muscles to help you escape from that stressful event. While this is a phenomenal mechanism we possess, problems arise when our hours and days are filled with these stressful events and our bodies aren't given the opportunity to restore and rebalance. Over time, continued strain on your body from stress may contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other illnesses. (1)