We’ve all been stressed out at one point or another. Whether the cause is job concerns, financial difficulties or relationship troubles, each of us has been there at one point (and probably at multiple points). And while we all know where stress comes from and tough it is to handle, there are also a lot of lesser known facts about stress.

20 Random Stress Facts:

1. Stress and the immune system are linked. Too much stress can suppress the immune system, which can cause you to get sicker more easily. Also, people with autoimmune disorders (like lupus) are more likely to experience flares of their condition during times of unusually high stress.

2. Prolonged periods of intense stress can lead to other physical complications. People who are overly stressed are at an increased risk for high blood pressure, heart-related issues and strokes, which is why stress is often called “the silent killer.”

3. The three most stressful cities in America are Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, according to a Forbes.com article titled “America‘s Most Stressful Cities."

4. Stress exacerbates inflammation, which causes inflammatory diseases like lupus and arthritis to become more severe. Inflammation also contributes to worsened acne problems.

5. We all know Americans are hard workers, and we’re proud of it. But we may sometimes forget that with our hard work, we need to take some serious rest to make up for it. According to SiestaAwareness.org, taking a siesta (an afternoon nap or break) can actually increase productivity by 30%. Siestas also reduce stress and the risk of heart disease by 34%.

6. Laughter really does relief stress. It suppresses stress hormones like cortical while increasing production of healthier, happy-making hormones in the body.

7. Being a surgeon is considered one of the most stressful jobs.

8. Stress is bad for both female and male fertility.

9. Stress may not cause stomach ulcers (which are caused by medications and the H. pylori bacteria), but it can definitely make them worse.

10. Stress effects people of all ages. Even children often experience high levels of stress.

11. The chemicals and changes produced by your body during times of stress are supposed to only be produced short-term during emergency situations (think “fight or flight” situations). The human body isn’t designed to handle long periods of stress.

12. Stress can change your eating habits, whether that means eating less or more.

13. According to LessStress.net, 95 million Americans suffer some kind of stress related symptoms for which they take medication.

14. People who are under intense levels of stress are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as drinking alcohol in excess and smoking.

15. Stress can lead to an increase in suicide risk. Stress is also known to complication emotional problems and cause mood swings.

16. Not taking care of your physical body can lead to worsened stress. People who don’t eat or sleep properly are more likely to be stressed.

17. People with chronic conditions and illnesses are more likely to have prolonged stress.

18. Exercise is a great way to stave off stress. It’s a healthy way to deal with your body’s “fight or flight” impulses, thus stopping stress before (or just as) it starts.

19. Medications like diazepam, lorazepam and alprazolam should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. Prolonged use or the abuse of these medications actually makes stress worse.

20. Yoga and meditation are proven methods of reducing stress since they calm your mind and gently increase your physical strength.