Final answer:
Stress is a response to demands or threats, expressed through physiological changes. Stressors are events that trigger stress and can be chronic or acute. Managing stress through various strategies is essential to minimize its harmful effects on health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stress is essentially a response to perceived demands or threats in one's environment. It can manifest through various physiological signs such as a faster heartbeat, rapid breathing, and tensing of muscles, which are part of the body's preparation to face potential dangers effectively. These responses, while not always seemingly beneficial in modern situations like a pop quiz, are inherited from our ancestors who needed to be prepared to fight or flee from immediate threats.
Stressors, on the other hand, are specific stimuli or events that trigger the stress response. They can be either chronic (persisting over time like long-term unemployment) or acute (sudden, like an injury). Experiencing stress can come from various sources such as traumatic events, significant life changes, daily annoyances, or situations that consistently expose an individual to threats or challenges. The repercussion of stress can be psychological and physiological, leading to health complications if not managed properly.
Managing stress is an important skill, and strategies can include prioritizing activities, adopting healthy habits such as eating well and exercising, and employing stress-reduction techniques. These efforts help to mitigate the negative consequences of stress and aid in maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing.