We feel stress when we are under pressure. It is a completely normal response that everyone feels from time to time. It is the body's reaction to feeling under threat.
Stress is different for everyone. What stresses you out may not even bother your best friend and vice versa. Sometimes you can feel stressed for a short period of time, like when you need to hand in a project, or you have to talk in front of a group of people. Maybe you feel butterflies in your stomach and the palms of your hands get sweaty. That's because stress causes hormonal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous system changes. Usually, it's nothing to worry about. In fact, research shows that a moderate level of stress is a positive thing and actually makes us perform better. It makes us more alert and can help us perform in situations such as exams, job interviews or public speaking.
Stressful situations can also be invigorating and some people enjoy the excitement that comes with highly stressful pursuits such as extreme sports. In short, we need a bit of stress in our lives sometimes and it's not always a bad thing.
However, stress is only healthy if it is short-lived. Excessive or prolonged stress can lead to ill health and physical or emotional exhaustion. If we have too much pressure for too long we run the risk of a more severe stress reaction. Sometimes it can be one or two big life events or changes, sometimes it can be a build-up of smaller things.
How you can help yourself
As the stress response is largely physical a good starting point is to focus on your body; do some relaxation, controlled breathing, exercise or relaxing activities and self-care.
Follow this is a 5-minute Mindful Breathing mindfulness meditation video created by Stop, Breathe and Think to help you relax.
If you are concerned that you cannot keep yourself safe then please do ask for help.
Further information
Downloads
Useful websites
What we can do to help
Student Services offers a range of support that includes Wellbeing Advisors, Counsellors, and the Mental Health Advisory Service. To access any of these services contact the Student Advice and Guidance team. This is the entry point to speak to the Wellbeing Advisors, Counsellors, and the Mental Health Advisory Service and all our services are confidential.You can email the team on advice@liverpool.ac.uk, or call 0151 795 1000 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.