What is the definition of stress in relation to external demands?

The definition of stress in relation to external demands is accurately captured by the idea that it is a reaction our bodies experience to changes in the environment. Stress arises when individuals perceive that external demands exceed their resources to cope with those demands. This perception triggers a physiological and psychological response, affecting both mental and physical health.

Understanding stress as a bodily reaction underscores the importance of recognizing how various external factors—such as work pressure, personal life challenges, and other situational stressors—impact our overall well-being. This definition is central to stress management, as it provides insight into how individuals can identify and mitigate these environmental changes to foster better coping strategies.

The other choices provide different perspectives on stress but do not encompass the full definition. For instance, while being a measure of one's ability to cope touches on an individual's experience of stress, it doesn't adequately define what stress itself is. Similarly, feeling pressure and anxiety relates to the emotional experience associated with stress but again does not define stress in the broader context of an external reaction. Lastly, a state of complete mental relaxation is more indicative of the absence of stress rather than a definition of the stress phenomenon itself.