Stress is the body's response to any stimulus that requires mental or physical adaptation. Whether a situation is perceived as stressful depends on the individual. The document outlines the basic stages of the stress response: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. It also lists common stress symptoms and provides tips for managing stress such as deep breathing, simplifying tasks, and living in the present moment. The overall message is that the goal in managing stress is to educate oneself in order to gain a sense of control over stressful situations.