Stress: containing force or influence: such as C: a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation. Not all stress is bad, and stress itself is a very normal condition of being human. In fact, small amounts of stress can be beneficial for us by motivating us to act. This could be to improve performance, complete a task or assignment, meet a deadline, or even motivate us to find or move into