Understanding Stress

This lesson introduces stress as a normal human response, not a personal failure. Professor Daniel Martin explains the difference between stressors, stress response, and stress outcomes so learners can identify what is actually happening in daily life.

Students will learn how stress can be helpful in short bursts, why it becomes costly when it is prolonged, and how common signs show up in the body, mind, and behavior. The lesson also begins building a practical mindset for the course: notice stress early, name it accurately, and respond with intention rather than react automatically.