The human body is not biologically wired for sustained, non-acute stress. Modern knowledge economies demand constant cognitive presence, which triggers a low-grade, perpetual fight-or-flight response.Allostatic Load: Chronic overwork forces the body to constantly secrete cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this high allostatic load causes structural changes in the brain—specifically shrinking the prefrontal cortex (responsible for executive function) and enlarging the amygdala (the fear center).Cardiovascular & Metabolic Toll: According to research published by the World Health Organization (WHO), working 55 hours or more per week is directly linked to a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared to working standard hours.