Understanding Stress: The Good, The Bad, and How to Manage It

What comes to mind when you hear the word "stress"? Do you feel a pang of anxiety, or does your heart start racing? Or do you see stress as a motivator—the push you need to check off your to-do list? If you're like most people, you've probably experienced both perspectives at some point.

Stress is defined as “response of the body to any demand, whether it is caused by, or results in, pleasant or unpleasant conditions” (Selye, 1976, p. 74). While it often carries a negative connotation, stress isn’t inherently bad. In fact, acute stress can be beneficial—it triggers physiological changes that help us react and adapt to challenges.

Imagine being in a dangerous situation—someone is chasing you, and your body instinctively goes into "fight-or-flight" mode. Your heart rate increases, your muscles tense, and your mind sharpens—all designed to protect you. This same stress response helped our ancestors survi...