Stress does not always look the same. Sometimes it shows up as acute stress, the big and obvious kind that launches you straight into fight or flight, like a looming deadline, an argument, or a sudden crisis. Other times it shows up as chronic stress, the quieter version that builds slowly through the daily grind. Things like overscheduling, skipping meals, or constant notifications may not feel serious in the moment, but over time they add up and keep your body running in overdrive.

Both acute stress and chronic stress affect your nervous system. Acute stress pushes your body into survival mode temporarily, while chronic stress keeps you stuck there longer than it should. That is when digestion, sleep, energy, and even your immune system begin to suffer. The tricky part is that chronic stress often blends into your normal, making it hard to notice until your health starts sending signals.

Understanding this difference is the first step. Once you see how stress shows up, both in dramatic moments and in quieter daily habits, you can begin to guide your body back into balance.