In today’s fast-paced society, most people complain about being stressed. However, when they use the term stress, they rarely know it’s true meaning. The word carries many negative connotations and is associated with an unpleasant or traumatic event. As such, people mistakenly believe that stress is simply the nervousness and tension experienced prior to, during, or after a negative event. In fact, the effects of stress are physiological, emotional, and psychological.

Additionally, not all levels of stress are detrimental. The stress athletes experience right before a big game or college students feel right before an exam can enhance focus and increase their ability to concentrate. Stress is either good or bad depending on how long it persists and how it is perceived by the individual.

Stress is defined as the body’s physical, mental, and emotional response to a particular stimulus. A stimulus that causes stress is called a stressor. This process of responding to a stressor through a stress response is how the body prepares itself to face challenging situations.

The Role of Stress in Adaptation

The way an individual responds to a stressor determines whether the experience will be positive or negative. Stress is not always harmful—in fact, small amounts of stress can be beneficial. These manageable levels of stress can enhance cognitive brain function, providing the motivation and focus needed to complete tasks such as writing an essay, practicing a speech, or preparing for a job interview.

There are two main types of stress: positive, or “good stress,” known as eustress, and negative, or “bad stress,” known as distress. For most people, everyday stressors remain manageable and do not cause harm. However, some stressors have the potential to be harmful. Examples of harmful stressors include the sudden loss of a loved one, the unexpected end of a romantic relationship, or the unfair demands of an unreasonable boss.

Effects of Stress on Wellness

Stress is more than just the tension or apprehension caused by problems, obstacles, or traumatic events. Rather, stress is the body’s overall response—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to any stressor. Stress is a natural and unavoidable part of life. While it can be empowering and motivating in certain situations, it can also be harmful and potentially dangerous under other circumstances.

When a person senses that a situation demands action, the body responds by releasing chemicals into the blood. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to release a surge of hormones that include adrenaline and cortisol. The physiological effects of those chemicals—enhanced focus, quicker reaction time, and increased heart rate, energy, and strength—are quite beneficial when faced with a potentially dangerous situation that is temporary.

As stated previously, not all stress is bad. In fact, the stress associated with riding a roller coaster, watching a scary movie, or scaling a cliff can enhance these experiences. Regardless of whether the stress experienced is negative or positive, the effects on the body are identical.