Stress

Stress is a psychological and physiological response to situations that are perceived as challenging, demanding, or threatening. While stress is a normal part of life and can sometimes enhance motivation and performance, excessive or prolonged stress can have a significant impact on mental and physical health. People experiencing stress may report symptoms such as worry, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, muscle tension, fatigue, and feeling overwhelmed. Stress can arise from a wide range of sources, including work, relationships, financial pressures, health concerns, and major life changes. The way individuals appraise and cope with stressors plays an important role in determining its impact. Evidence-based psychological approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion focused therapy (CFT), and mindfulness-based interventions, can help people manage stress more effectively and improve wellbeing.

+ Show all therapy tools

Links to external resources

Psychology Tools makes every effort to check external links and review their content. However, we are not responsible for the quality or content of external links and cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time.

Guides and workbooks

  • The Path to Patience: Six Practical Sections for Becoming a More Patient Person | Caroline Lavelock, Everett Worthington, Sarah Schnitker | 2013
  • The Path to Positivity: Six Practical Sections for Becoming a More Positive Person | Caroline Lavelock, Everett Worthington | 2013