As stress becomes an inevitable part of modern life, it’s essential to understand its impact on the body. We speak to medical experts, who explain the functioning of the stress hormone cortisol and suggest ways to regulate it
Image for representational purposes only (Photo Courtesy: iStock)
How often does one feel stressed in life? According to some studies, a lot.
According to the Health of the Nation Report 2024 by Apollo Hospitals in which 11,000 individuals were surveyed, almost 80 per cent of young adults (18-30 years) and seniors (>65 years) reported significant stress levels. Another report, the 2023 Indian Wellness Index by ICICI Lombard General Insurance, revealed that 77 per cent of Indians showed at least one symptom of stress and one in every three Indians was suffering from stress and anxiety.
In a world where stress has occupied an almost permanent place in people’s way of living, it becomes important to understand how it affects the body and how the body reacts to it. One of the most significant elements involved in this process is cortisol, also called the ‘stress hormone’.