Stress, quite simply, is the way we react to change €“ physically and emotionally. Like change, stress can be positive or negative. Stress may be the sense of concentration we feel when faced with a new or challenging situation €“ remember your first clinical consultation or before an important presentation. It may also be the vague sense of anxiety you feel after 'one of those days'. Let's look more closely at the different types.

Positive stress €“ In its positive aspect, stress helps us to concentrate, focus and perform and can often help us reach peak efficiency. We will all recall situations in pharmacies in which we have worked where this was exactly the case. Many people, in fact, do their best work when under pressure. Then, when the challenge has been met, they take the time to relax and wind down. The relaxation response allows them to build up the physical and emotional reserves to meet the next challenge. It is one of the key elements of positive stress.

Negative stress €“ Stress becomes negative when we stay 'geared up' and won't, or can't, switch off and relax. In today's world, where many situations can 'push our buttons', it's perhaps no wonder that many people regard stress as a way of life. Unfortunately, when stress becomes a constant ongoing cycle, health and wellbeing can suffer as a result.

Stress has two main causes:

1. Physical €“ Due to an immediate threat to our physical being

2. Emotional €“ Often involving work and home life, people and our relationships. Today, it is this latter category that is the most problematic and the one on which this section will now focus.