Stress is the body's natural response to threats and challenges. It is meant to be short-term but chronic stress takes a toll physically and mentally over time. The document discusses what stress is, its effects, and various strategies for managing stress such as removing oneself from stressful situations, relaxation, sleep, diet, and seeking help if stress becomes unmanageable. Managing stress is important to maintain health, happiness, relationships and work performance as excessive long-term stress can be very damaging.