Stress can be viewed as a delicate balance between the demands presented to us as we grasp them, and how we conceive our resources , our ability to react to those demands. It is the perception of these components that apparently triggers the release of cortisol . The primary purpose of cortisol and corticosterone in mammals is basically to mobilize the body's physiological processes against infection. Demands made upon us can be from either an internal or an external source. Demands that have to do with every day living or with a life-long burden.
Demands can be minuscule and numerous or monumental and sparse.
Our resources can originate from physiological or psychological sources. Attitude has a strong bearing on how we behave and how we think about ourselves. If we are in good health and generally good physical condition we will most likely behave in a confident, in control, manner, and we can approach demands with a positive enthusiastic attitude. Conversely, illness or run down physical condition can lead to hesitant or procrastinating behaviors, and we will approach demands with a negative attitude . Self-esteem or how we feel about ourselves has been shown to be a core element of the stress response.