Stress is the reaction of our bodies and minds to something that upsets their normal balance.
The human response to stressful events is an ancient one, dating back to a time when life was a constant struggle for survival. Stress has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Stress management is not to eliminate stress but to learn how to manage it and how to use it to help us. What we need to do is find the optimal level of stress which will individually motivate but not overwhelm each of us.