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.
These changes can cause a persistent increase in blood pressure and blood sugar. In this case, yes, frequently behaving anxiously can cause blood pressure (including the systolic rate - the top number in a blood pressure reading) and blood sugar to rise. Moreover, stress responses stress the body.