Being in the military I experienced many different types of situations that brought different types of stress. Both for better and for worse. Not just from the military but also from everyday life in general such as school, work, finances and family. I tend to handle stress pretty well, but everyone handles it in their own way. Some people become more irritable, others shut down altogether, and some even turn to alcohol and substance abuse to tolerate stress. Stress is something that all living beings have in common. “When you face a dangerous situation, your pulse quickens, you breathe faster, your muscles tense, your brain uses more oxygen and increases activity – all functions aimed at survival. In the short term, it can also strengthen the immune system” (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Stress is a normal part of daily life and in some cases necessary for survival. Stress is the result of change, it can be a negative or positive change. Stress can be financial, physical, emotional or physiological. It can include stress from school, work and family. However, not all stress has to be bad, like competition, the thrill of a roller coaster ride, or even watching a scary movie. At some point in time we will all experience some type of stress, but when stress becomes chronic it can have negative effects on the body and its development. According to Merriam Webster, stress is defined as a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in life. your life, work: something that causes strong feelings of worry or anxiety (2015). It can also be defined as the bran response to any request. Many things can trigger this response, including change. The response to stress can be short-term or long-term, positive or negative. Flight or fight responds… middle of the card… and with stress. Being able to identify the cause of stress can help you manage stress appropriately. Stress management strategies can include positive self-talk, daily relaxation, exercise and a healthy diet, promoting healthy friendships and support groups, and getting sufficient rest. Stress is a normal part of daily life and in some cases is necessary for survival. Stress is the result of change, it can be a negative or positive change. Stress can be financial, physical, emotional or physiological. It can include stress from school, work and family. Chronic stress can cause developmental problems in children if exposed to it over a long period of time. It can also have devastating effects on the body if stress is not removed. However, there are ways to deal with stress in healthy ways, and finding the best stress management strategy that works is crucial.