Stress is anything that physically, emotionally, and psychologically, pressures you. Any effort on your part whether its trying out for the basketball team, preparing for an upcoming exam, establishing an outline for a paper, requires some degree of stress. Stress is an everyday part of many of our lives. Without some stress in our lives, they would seem boring and dull.
Stress can be both positive and negative.
In that while it is difficult to handle at one time, at moderate doses, it can be a motivator and contribute to our happiness and success at another time. Stress is not only desirable but essential to life. Whether your stressful situation is the result of a major life change or the effects of minor everyday hassles, it is how you respond to it that determines if it is harmful. There is a type of stress that can be harmful. Distress can be defined as continual stress that requires you to constantly readjust and adapt.