You know the feeling when your heart beats faster, your muscles tighten and your breath quickens? That’s the stress response. Your brain sends a signal to your adrenal glands, which triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol – hormones which prepare your body for “fight or flight.”

This can be helpful in times when you’re actually in danger, but your brain doesn’t know the difference between an actual threat and a perceived one. It’s wired to protect you, causing many of us to be on high alert more often than necessary.