Stress
The body’s physical or mental response to an external cause. Everyone feels stress from time to time; it becomes a problem when it does not go away.
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What is stress?
Stress is your body's natural response to any demand or challenge — anything that pushes you out of your comfort zone. The thing that triggers stress is called a "stressor."
Not all stress is bad. Short bursts of stress can help you focus, meet a deadline, or react quickly to danger. This is sometimes called "good stress." Problems start when stress is too intense, happens too often, or never lets up. That kind of ongoing stress can wear your body down and harm your health.
When you feel stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Your heart beats faster, your muscles tense, and your senses sharpen — the "fight or flight" response. This is helpful in short bursts, but staying in this state for too long takes a toll.