Stress is a state of tension and readiness to react. Stress is useful as it helps a person to adjust quickly to new situations and pressures. Stress reactions can be measured: heart rate and breathing are accelerated, blood pressure rises, sweating increases. Urine tests show increased production of the hormones noradrenaline and adrenaline.

Without tension and emotional involvement neither great achievements nor strong feelings are possible. However, if the stress is experienced as negative or if the stressful situation persists for a long time, stress becomes a health hazard.

What was initially a useful reaction of the body (e.g. an increase in blood pressure) can become a permanent state. This can lead to the development of disease (e.g. of the cardiovascular system). The natural male testosterone production also declines if there is persisting stress. This can result in a vicious circle, as stress and testosterone deficiency contribute to the development of depressed mood, reduced libido, erectile disturbances and many other disorders.
There are some things that you can do to develop stress tolerance and stress competence.
The aim is to create a balance between tension and relaxation.
Crisis management and coping with feeling low or depressed is also something you can learn.