Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress is a normal part of life. You can experience stress from your environment, your body, and your thoughts. Even positive life changes such as a promotion, a mortgage, or the birth of a child can produce stress.


How does stress affect health?
The human body is designed to experience stress and react to it. Stress can be positive, keeping us alert, motivated, and ready to avoid danger. Stress becomes negative when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation between stressors. As a result, the person becomes overworked, and stress-related tension builds. The body's autonomic nervous system has a built-in stress response that causes physiological changes to allow the body to combat stressful situations. Stress that continues without relief can lead to a condition called distress – a negative stress reaction.

Physical response to stress

• Heart rate increases
• Breathing faster
• Digestion stops
• Coagulation of the blood increases
• Extra sugars and insulin
• Muscle tension

• Monitor and control the stressors
  • Control the numbers of stressors
  • Say no to some of the stressors
  • Delegate some of the responsibilities
• Change how to see the stressors
• Build the support system
• Value yourself
• Know yourself
• Time management