Stress is caused by excessive pressure or demands that people cannot cope with. It affects both the mind and body. Common stressors include work, environment, communication, and transportation. Both internal factors like negative self-talk and external factors like unrealistic deadlines can cause stress. Short term acute stress and long term chronic stress impact people differently. While moderate amounts of stress can be motivating, too much stress has negative effects like increased blood pressure, headaches, and depression. Managing stress involves becoming aware of stressors and reactions, learning to change what you can and accepting what you can't, relaxing both mind and body, maintaining physical and emotional reserves, and developing a support system.