Stress is more or less the opposite of relaxation. It can be defined in terms of four components:¹

1. A stressor or trigger is present (e.g., deployment, combat exposure, deadline, traffic, uncertainties)
2. The individual finds the stressor or trigger to be stressful (not all people view the same events or triggers as stressors)
3. The individual experiencing stress is attempting to cope with the stressful demands. Some people will be more effective at coping with stress than others.
4. A complex set of reactions takes place in both the mind and the body. Again, stress reactions are experienced differently by everyone.

Stress management can be complicated and confusing because there are different types of stress — acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress — each with distinct characteristics, symptoms, duration, and treatment approaches. Read more on Stress.