People can learn techniques to counter the stress response:
<ul>
<li>Relaxation response techniques: deep abdominal breathing, focus on a soothing word (such as peace or calm), visualization of tranquil scenes, repetitive prayer, yoga, and tai chi.</li>
<li>Physical activity. Exercise, such as taking a brisk walk shortly after feeling stressed, not only deepens breathing but also helps relieve muscle tension.</li>
<li>Social support. Confidants, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, relatives, spouses, and companions all provide a life-enhancing social net — and may increase longevity.</li>
</ul>

Techniques To Counter Chronic Stress

A stressful situation — whether something environmental, or psychological, can trigger a cascade of stress hormones that produce well-orchestrated physiological changes.
This combination of reactions to stress is also known as the "fight-or-flight" response because it evolved as a survival mechanism, enabling people to react quickly to life-threatening situations. The carefully orchestrated sequence of hormonal changes and physiological responses helps someone to fight the threat off or flee to safety. Unfortunately, the body can also overreact to stressors that are not life-threatening.

Understanding The Stress Response

When someone confronts an oncoming danger, the eyes or ears (or both) send the information to the amygdala, an area of the brain that contributes to emotional processing. When it perceives danger, it instantly sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system by sending signals through the autonomic nerves to the adrenal glands. These glands respond by pumping the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) into the bloodstream. As epinephrine circulates through the body, it brings on a number of physiological changes.

The Stress Response

<ul>
<li>The heart beats faster than normal, pushing blood to the muscles, heart, and other vital organs. </li>
<li>Pulse rate and blood pressure go up. </li>
<li>The person undergoing these changes also starts to breathe more rapidly. </li>
<li>Small airways in the lungs open wide. This way, the lungs can take in as much oxygen as possible with each breath. </li>
<li>Extra oxygen is sent to the brain, increasing alertness. </li>
<li>Sight, hearing, and other senses become sharper. </li>
<li>All of these changes happen so quickly that people aren't aware of them.</li>
</ul>

The Stress Effect On The Human Body

Research suggests that chronic stress is linked to high blood pressure, clogged arteries, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, and obesity.

Understanding The Stress Response

Understanding the stress response - Harvard Health

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