The pattern of responses an organism makes to stimulus event that disturbs the equilibrium and exceeds a person's ability to cope. Origin in the Latin word •strictus', meaning tight/narrow and •stringere' (to tighten). Stress may get manifested in two forms : (a)Eustress : The level of tress that is good for you and is one of a persons best assets for achieving peak performance and managing minor crises. This is positive. healthy and inspiring. (b)DistreSS: Manifestation of stress that causes our bodys wear and tear. It is negative. unhealthy and demotivating. Stressors: Events that cause our body to give the stress response. Whatever causes stress is known as stressor Strain: Reaction to external stressors is known as strain-Hans Selye (Father of modem stress research) defined stress as a non-specific response of the body to any demands. Basic Features Of Stress: 1 .Different stressors may produce different patterns Of stress reaction. 2.Stress is embedded in the process that involves individuals interacting with their social and cultural environment. Stress is a dynamic mental/cognitive State. It IS a disruption in homeostasis/imbalance that gives rise to resolution of the imbalance/restoration of homeostasis. Perception of stress is dependent on an individual's cognitive appraisal of events and the available to deal with them.