The word stress characterizes a physiological mechanism of the organism without which we or the other animals would have survived. Had our cave ancestor not reacted immediately upon encountering a hungry beast, he would not have left any descendants. We existed because our ancestors were stressed, that is, they released a series of chemical mediators (the most popular being adrenaline), which provoked physiological reactions to face the beast or flee in the face of danger.
However, the stress of the modern world is very different from what existed in the past. It results from the accumulation of minor problems that recur every day. When this stress is not controlled it causes serious health problems in people, as well as social problems like outbursts of anger. Stress reduction not only brings health benefits, but also prevents a person from having constant outbursts of anger, becoming a more pleasant, social and admirable person.
