Stress is an inevitable part of life. Everyone experiences stress at some time or another and to a certain degree, stress is a normal, healthy response. Often, people misuse the term "stress" to describe how they are feeling. Some of the most common descriptors include feeling "tired", "anxious", "upset", or "being busy".

Everyone manages stress in different ways and our ability to react under stress is crucial for our survival. However, remember that stress is a response largely under our control because it is our reaction to external events based on how we interpret and respond to life events.

Stress is experienced when the body has to cope with change, be it pleasant or unpleasant. The way in which your body adjusts to the change is dependent on the situation and the stressor, which require us to adapt. There are many life events, which bring about change and stress for all of us. Some of the most common life events that contribute to increased stress include changes in life cycle (transitioning from one stage of life to another), personal growth, social and job/career.

To use stress to your advantage and prevent it from becoming "distress" or "bad stress", it is important to become aware of your own reactions to stressful events. Once you learn to recognize the early signs of stress, you are better equipped to do something about it before it escalates. Learning how to identify and manage stress can help prevent physical and psychological problems, increase your chances of future success, and promote a longer, healthier life.

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