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Stress

What stress is, how it affects your body and mind, and simple ways to cope from day to day.

What stress is

Stress is a feeling of worry or tension caused by a difficult situation. It is a natural human response, and everyone feels it sometimes.

A little stress can help you get things done. Too much stress, for too long, can harm your physical and mental health.

It is normal to feel stressed during exams, job worries, money problems or conflict at home. Everyone reacts differently, and for many people stress eases as things improve.

How stress can affect you

Stress affects both the mind and the body. You may notice some of these signs:

• Finding it hard to relax or concentrate
• Feeling anxious, irritable or easily upset
• Headaches, body pains or an upset stomach
• Trouble sleeping
• Eating much less or much more than usual
• Using more alcohol, tobacco or other substances

Grounding: a skill for difficult moments

The WHO guide Doing What Matters in Times of Stress teaches simple skills. A few minutes a day is enough to practise them.

Grounding can help when strong feelings sweep over you like a storm. It has three steps:

• Notice your thoughts and feelings. Silently name them, for example: here is worry.
• Slow down and connect with your body. Breathe out slowly, press your feet into the floor, or press your hands together.
• Refocus on the world around you. Notice what you can see, hear, smell, taste and touch, then return to what you are doing.

Everyday ways to cope

Small daily habits can make stress easier to manage.

• Keep a daily routine, with regular times for meals, rest, chores and family.
• Try to sleep and wake at the same times each day.
• Be active. A daily walk can help reduce stress.
• Stay in touch with people you trust and share how you feel.
• Eat regular, balanced meals and drink enough water.
• Limit time on the news and social media if it makes you feel worse.

When to get help

Most people manage stress and carry on with daily life. Get help if stress does not ease, or if it starts to affect your work, studies, sleep or relationships.

Stress can sometimes lead to anxiety or low mood that needs care. A health worker, counsellor or trusted person in your community can help.

If you or someone else is in danger right now, use the crisis numbers on this page or call 999.

You can use Tymira Care Finder to find a counsellor, clinic or other support near you or online.

General information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. A professional can talk through what's right for you. Reviewed 2026-11-01.

Sources

• WHO: Stress (questions and answers)
• WHO: Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide
• WHO: Doing What Matters in Times of Stress (English PDF)

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