Both components of the stress response (cortisol and the "fight or flight" response) will continue, rather than diminishing, if the brain perceives that the threat to survival ("stressor") still exists. This is a key point because our mindset can affect whether we perceive that a threat actually exists and/or persists. You'll notice that many stressors are not actual threats to survival, although they are stresses to our comfort levels. Without being aware of it, we may be automatically (unconsciously or "mindlessly") MISPERCEIVING or MISINTERPRETING a stressor as more threatening. Our thoughts themselves can trigger and perpetuate the stress response. (such as the thought "oh no, my boss frowned at me, he must be angry or disappointed in me I wonder if my job is on the line" or "oh no, that guy just cut me off in traffic, I better close the gap and ride his bumper to show him that wasn't cool and not let anyone else cut me off" or "oh no, the power just went out; I bet it will stay out for days," etc.) Our emotions can also trigger the stress response, especially uncomfortable emotions such as fear, anger, loneliness, boredom, restlessness, and shame even if we are not paying attention to the emotion.

This is where mindfulness comes in. When we are able to be aware (mindful) of what our mind is thinking, sensing and feeling we can notice if the threatening thoughts are realistic and if they are serving a useful purpose. Are they helping us survive? Or are they over-reactions which are causing us to have chronically elevated stress hormones and harming our health? When the latter is true, what can we about it?