Have low stress

Chronic stress is not merely uncomfortable — it is a physiological state that systematically damages health, cognition, and relationships over time. Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress (1984) established that stress is determined not by events themselves but by our appraisal of whether we have the resources to cope. This means that stress management is fundamentally about building both external resources and internal appraisal skills. McEwen's concept of allostatic load (1998) describes how chronic stress accumulates physiological wear and tear — elevated cortisol, inflammation, cardiovascular strain — that accelerates aging and disease. The research is unequivocal: people who actively manage their stress through coping strategies, boundary-setting, and lifestyle design live longer, think more clearly, and maintain stronger relationships than those who simply endure it.

• 1
  You experience persistent physical symptoms of stress — headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, insomnia
• 2
  You feel overwhelmed by your commitments but have not eliminated or renegotiated any of them
• 3
  You use alcohol, food, or screen time as your primary stress relief mechanisms
• 4
  You wear your busyness and stress level as a badge of honor rather than recognizing them as problems to solve

Consider these questions to understand where you stand: