* Life & Style * Health * Why STRESS can make you ILL: Body is MORE susceptible to infections Why STRESS can make you ILL: Body is MORE susceptible to infections STRESS can place a huge strain on health and with the average adult feeling stressed for five-an-a-half years of their life, people should be aware how their immune systems can suffer, experts have argued. -- | UPDATED: 11:41, Wed, Nov 2, 2016 Stress: Condition can cause illness GETTYStress: Condition can cause illness due to a weakened immune system Running late, traffic jams and health problems mean Brits spend two hours and 11 minutes of every day feeling stressed – a total of more than 15 hours a week, a study has revealed. -- Alison Cullen, a spokesman for A.Vogel www.avogel.co.uk) which commissioned the research to look at the impact of stress on immunity, said: “Ongoing stress causes the body to put everything on hold except immediate survival. -- surgeon Stress can be a result of overburdening GETTY Stress: Condition can occur as a result of overburdening ourselves, “The result is more cold and flu infections, which in turn cause more stress. “Many people neglect their health because their schedules are so -- The study of 2,000 adults found being late for something and running out of time are most likely to cause us stress, followed by getting stuck in traffic and health issues for yourself or family members. Meeting deadlines, not being able to afford things, weight gain, cold -- Sixty-three per cent of people even claim to have had days where they have felt stressed from the moment they woke up until they go to sleep at the end of the day. Money, overbearing workloads and relationship problems are among the things most likely to cause us stress, followed by birthdays and Christmas and having to deal with the in-laws. -- eoId=5192936839001 It also emerged we are most stressed at the age of 36, with some so badly affected by it, it has led to sleepless nights and even a health problem. Dr Margaret Ritchie, Associate Lecturer: University of the West of Scotland said: “When our bodies experience stress, especially ongoing stress which the survey highlights, it affects the biochemistry and simply put, causes inflammation that impacts on our immunity resulting in our body being more susceptible to flu and colds as winter settles in.” Other common causes of stress include queuing for a long time, computer problems, arguments with a partner and automated phone systems. Road works, moving house, self-service checkouts and dogs barking are also among the top 50 causes of stress. Unfortunately, for 81 per cent of people, stress has been so bad that they have lost sleep - an average of five nights in the past month. It also emerged that 62 per cent of people have been so stressed it has affected their health, resulting in 31 per cent of people taking time off work. Stress: Three in ten have fallen ill due to stress GETTY Stress: Three in ten have fallen ill due to stress Common mental health disorders -- Common mental health disorders from anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias. Play slideshow Stress - Feeling under mental or emotional pressure can lead to sleeping problems, a loss of appetite or difficulty concentrating Getty Images 1 of 10 Stress - Feeling under mental or emotional pressure can lead to sleeping problems, a loss of appetite or difficulty concentrating More than one in ten have been signed off for a short period of time, whilst another one in ten have been signed off long-term. And one in four have even quit a job because they found it too stressful. Sixty-seven per cent of people even believe their body reacts physically to stress, causing them to suffer more headaches, stomach discomfort, colds, skin flare ups and sore throats. Dr Megan Arroll, psychologist, said: “The survey shows that many people feel they are in a continual state of stress. As well as an increased risk of ill health, stress creates a burden on the NHS, as costs to treat stress-related illness now exceeds over £2 billion.” Three in ten have also fallen ill due to stress, with another 15 per cent saying it has made an existing health complaint worse. -- commonly used over the counter treatments.” Stress: Running out of time is a big factor GETTY Stress: Running out of time is mostly likely to cause stress Researchers found stress has caused 31 per cent of people to make a mistake at work while another 45 per cent say it has led to arguments with a partner. Others have cancelled a night out with friends, shouted -- Dr Megan Arroll added: “Deep breathing through the diaphragm will trigger the parasympathetic nervous system and bring the body and mind back into balance following stress. “Breathe in slowly for a count of three and then exhale for a count of -- exercise. Do this daily so that it becomes a habit. “Stress can be a result of overburdening ourselves so don’t feel you need to do everything, all the time – prioritise yourself as it’s impossible to care for others if you’re burnt out. -- Related articles * REVEALED: The work factors that could reduce STRESS in your job * Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy could put women at high risk of PTSD * Daily habits can stop one of the UK's biggest KILLER stress Most read in Health