Stress is everywhere. It is at school, at home, at work and even with friends. Regardless of whether external forces and/or internal conflicts cause it, in most cases stress has a negative impact on a person and must be managed. However, there are times when it can have a positive effect, such as improving productivity. Creating balance in your life is the key to leading a healthy and productive lifestyle. If balance is not present, there can be negative consequences on a physical, emotional and mental level. Stress is the pressure or tension exerted on a material object. (“Stress”) Stress can be caused by situations that make someone feel pressured, making life choices, going to college, buying a house, and more. Stress can also occur when a person feels threatened or when something dramatic happens in their life. (“What is stress?”) What causes stress is different for each person and usually depends on the perception of what is happening. Physical stress is often the heart of the problem. If you don't try to reduce your physical stress and eliminate it, negative physical stress can cause many problems. Stress is a physical response to negative events that happen in someone's life. "The body's stress response can increase your strength and endurance, speed up your reaction times. And improve your concentration, preparing you to fight or flee..." ("Stress") Too much stress can turn into negative physical stress , which can lead to terrible things happening. According to the American Psychological Association, “more than 94% of adults believe that stress can contribute to the development of serious illnesses.” Physical stress can lead to physical symptoms, such as colds, chest pain, nausea and stomach aches, sleep deprivation… middle of paper… help from others. ("Stress, positive or negative?") You also need to learn to talk to yourself in a positive way so as not to lower your self-esteem. You may also need "emergency stress caps" to help you in a time of stress to relax and take deep breaths. (“What is Stress Management”) A person should also find pleasure in their life, stop constantly looking at the “to-do list” to see what is next on their agenda, and should take a break. Stress is constantly in your life. It can be caused by an internal conflict or something happening around you. Too much negative stress on one can hurt one, physically, emotionally and mentally and causes them to lead a productive lifestyle and the drive to perform better. Finding the correct balance between a productive and healthy lifestyle is essential in your life.