Stress is a normal events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way physical reaction . When you sense danger , whether real or imagined - the defense of body set in motion a rapid , automatic process known as the "fight or flight or freeze " , or the stress response

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The stress response is the way to protect yourself from the body. When working properly , it helps you stay focused , energetic and alert. In emergency situations , stress can save your life , giving you extra strength to defend yourself , for example, or encouraging you to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident.

The stress response also helps you rise to meet challenges. Stress is what keeps you on your toes during a presentation at work, sharpens your concentration when you try the free-kick winner, or drives you to study for an exam when you'd rather be watching TV.

But beyond a certain point , stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships and your quality of life.