What is stress?

Stress is 'The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work'. Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Stress can be defined as a state of work or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall wellbeing." World Health Organisation.

This short video by Braive gives you an understanding of the various sources and effects of stress, and coping skills you can use to better regulate stress.

Mind, the mental health charity, provides the following guidance on recognising stress: 

We all experience stress differently in different situations. Sometimes you might be able to tell right away when you're feeling under stress, but other times you might keep going without recognising the signs. Stress can affect you both emotionally and physically, and it can affect the way you behave.

The International Stress Management Association (ISMA) provide a How to identify stress checklist that can be used.