Stress, Coping Mechanisms

Stress is the body's response to challenges or demands, often causing feelings of tension or anxiety. Coping mechanisms are strategies that individuals use to manage stress effectively. These can be divided into problem-focused coping, which involves addressing the source of stress directly, and emotion-focused coping, which aims to manage feelings related to stress. Healthy coping mechanisms include exercise, mindfulness, talking to friends, or engaging in hobbies, while unhealthy ones might involve substance misuse or avoidance. Understanding and applying effective coping strategies can significantly improve one’s ability to handle stress in daily life.