Stress is an essential part of life.
Usually stress is thought of as a negative or as an illness. However, stress can be positive, such as moving into a new home or taking a vacation. To maintain good health and functioning, a person can learn to let of or to relax out of a stress reaction. A person can also enjoy the creative stress associated with the excitement for an activity or event. When an event is interpreted as threatening, a person's regulating centers tell the body to speed up in order to prepare to confront or escape the threat.