Stress is a natural reaction or change in your body in response to situations that feel overwhelming. Stress can cause physical, emotional, or mental strain. Everyone experiences stress from time to time, and some types of stress can even be good for you. But too much stress can make your immune system weak and overwhelm your body, allowing you to get sick more easily. Stress can present as fear, worry, feeling unable to relax, increased heart rate, or difficulty breathing. Stress can also disturb sleeping and eating patterns and can worsen pre-existing health conditions. Learning how to manage stress can help your body fight off disease and maintain balance so you can live a healthier life.
- Stress (MedlinePlus)
- Coping with stress: Workplace tips (Mayo Clinic)
- Coping with stress at work (American Psychological Association)
- How Stress Affects Your Body (American Psychological Association)
- Managing Stress (American Psychological Association)
- Manage Stress (Healthfinder.gov) [Easy-to-Read]
- Stress (MentalHealthLiteracy.org)
- Stress & Coping with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) (CDC)
- Stress: How to Cope Better with Life’s Challenges (American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Stress in the Workplace: Managing Job and Workplace Stress (Helpguide.org)
- Stress Management (Helpguide)
These sites allow patients to discuss their experiences with illnesses, treatments, and other health matters. Any information or opinions posted are those of the forum users themselves and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Mobile apps and tools can provide you with easy-to-use information and resources that can serve as one part of your overall strategy to become and stay healthy. For tips on selecting additional apps for exercise and physical activity, please review How to Choose a Good Health App by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
This app helps you relieve stress through breathing exercises. Free. iOS, Android.
This app helps you develop a meditation practice using a ten day program. The app also lets you track your meditation and connect with friends. Free. iOS, Android.
Resources selected by Hannah Burrows, Health Sciences Library, UNC-Chapel Hill,
Last reviewed December 6, 2022