Psychology
What is Stress?
Stress is the body's natural response to a challenge or threat — a surge of hormones that prepares you to react. Short bursts can be helpful, but constant (chronic) stress harms physical and mental health.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains stress.
Key things to understand
- 1It triggers the 'fight or flight' response via hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
- 2Short-term stress sharpens focus and energy.
- 3Chronic stress harms sleep, mood, immunity, and heart health.
- 4Managing it: rest, exercise, connection, and techniques like mindfulness.
Frequently asked questions
- What happens to the body during stress?
- Hormones speed the heart, tense muscles, and sharpen focus, preparing you to act.
- Is all stress bad?
- No — short bursts can boost performance; it's chronic, unrelenting stress that damages health.
- How can you manage stress?
- Sleep, exercise, social support, and practices like mindfulness and deep breathing help.