Is stress detrimental to a person's health? Milissa C. Stoppler, M.D. states "stress may be considered as any physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and that may be a factor in disease causation" (2002, 1). Stoppler's quote does not mean that all stress is bad. Hans Selye was one of the first to research stress (MindTools, 2004, 3). He stated "stress is not necessarily something bad – it all depends on how you take it. The stress of exhilarating, creative successful work is beneficial, while that of failure, humiliation or infraction is detrimental." It is important for all individuals to manage their stress so they may have a healthier lifestyle. Evaluating the causes and affects of stress management can help individuals set strategies to control stress and benefit from the results.
             Stress affects people differently because everyone's body is different. Attitudes, beliefs, strengths and weaknesses are all attributes which predict different stress levels in different individuals (Stoppler, 2002, 1). Stress can be positive and can motivate us. Negative stress, on the other hand is something we want to control. "Stress will never be completely eliminated, nor do we want it to be" (Quesada, 2002, 2). Positive stress can be caused by holiday's, graduation, or a wedding. Negative stress suffered over work-related issues and financial matters are just two of many forms of stress and are the types that need to be managed.
             Identifying strategies to manage stress is important, and practicing those strategies is even more important. An article written by the Georgia Reproductive Specialists that can be found on IVF.com, suggests to "recognize what you can change", then "shorten your exposure to stress" (2003, 7).
             Exercise is the most popular form of stress relief. One article states:
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