Which of the following is a negative health effect commonly associated with stress?

• A. Headaches
• B. Improved Digestion
• C. Lower Blood Pressure
• D. Increased Energy

Answer: (A)

Stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones that prepare you for action. Those hormonal changes often cause muscles to tense up, especially in the neck and shoulders. That tension can lead to headaches, a common negative health effect people notice when they’re under stress. Stress can also disrupt sleep, hydration, and meal routines, all of which can contribute to headaches or migraines, making them a frequent consequence of ongoing stress. Because headaches directly affect comfort, concentration, and daily functioning, they’re a clear sign of how stress can impact health.

Other options don’t fit as well. Digestion is typically worsened by stress, not improved, with symptoms like upset stomach or cramps being common. Blood pressure tends to rise rather than fall during stress. Energy levels can fluctuate, but not in a way that’s described as a healthy or positive effect; ongoing stress more often leads to fatigue and burnout over time.