Stress is a natural response to challenging situations that can have both positive and negative effects on the body. While short-term stress can help improve focus and performance, prolonged stress can have damaging effects on the immune system. How Stress Affects the Immune System When the body is stressed, it releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps to regulate the body’s response to stress, but it also suppresses the immune system. This happens because cortisol reduces the number of white blood cells in the body, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. Additionally, stress can cause inflammation in…