Stress is a physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation. It is the body’s automatic natural response to any physical or mental demand placed on it. It can also be defined as a state of severe physiological and psychological strain or tension which can lead to ill health if prolonged.

Stress results when where an environmental demand, pressures, or challenge being faced exceed the natural regulatory capacity or one’s coping ability. Stress has two basic components: the stressor and the reaction to the stressor; but it is usually defined by the reaction.