Not all stress is bad. In the short run, stress can help you be more alert, efficient, and productive. How negative your stress reaction is depends on many things: how often it occurs, how intense it is, how long it last, and perhaps most important of all, how you perceive the stressful event. Short surges of stress can add zest to your life, helping your body mobilize to meet specific demands. When you don't have the chance to recover from stress, your physical emotional, and mental resources can become depleted, leading to illness.

There is value in managing stress. You can't eliminate stress altogether. But you can tame the beast so you can live with it in peace. Help manage stress by taking time out from tension with relaxation techniques. It will allow you to have a stronger immune system for fighting disease, lower risk of heart disease and over-all better health. Other benefits include improved relationships and reduced burnout in both your work and personal life.
Stress is not a person, place, or thing. It's a physical and emotional reaction to change--whether positive or negative. The fight- or flight reaction kicks in, preparing your body for action: your muscles may tense, your heart may race, you may breathe more rapidly, and sugars and fats may be released into your bloodstream for quick energy. At the same time, you may experience a wide range of feelings, from anxiety and worry to excitement and anticipation. Your actions may also reveal telltale signs of stress: fidgeting, racing around, snapping at others, or eating more than your body needs.
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