The autumn equinox, which marks when the days grow shorter than the nights, is a time of going into darkness. So too, on Yom Kippur we probe what we have covered over or forgotten, taking a journey into our own dark places (both good and bad memories) to remember who we truly are, and who we want to be.
How Stress Affects Blood Pressure. This physical reaction to stress is what causes an increase in blood pressure. However, this reaction is only temporary and will end once the stress goes away.
Researchers have long suspected that the stressed-out, type A personality has a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart problems. We don't know why, exactly. Stress can directly increase heart rate and blood flow, and causes the release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the blood stream. It's also possible that stress is related to other problems -- an increased likelihood of smoking or obesity-- that indirectly increase the heart risks.