What is stress?

Stress is a psychological and physiological response to a perceived threat or change. It is a natural response that helps us to cope with difficult situation, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have negative effects on our health and well-being. Stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including work, relationships, financial problems, and health issues.

While external factors can certainly contribute to stress, reseach suggests that much of it is created by oneself. For example, your thoughts and beliefs about a situation can greatly influence our stress levels. If we perceive a situation as threatening or overwhelming we are more likely to experience stress, then if we perceive it as manageable or even positive. Additionally, our lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and sleep habits, can also impact our stress level.

Therefore, it is important to recognize the role that our own thoughts and behaviors play in creating stress, and to take steps to manage it effectively. This may include practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, engaging in regular exercise, seeking social support, and making healthy lifestyle choices. By taking control of our stress levels, we can improve our overall health and well-being.