Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings. As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action; it can result in a new awareness and an exciting new perspective. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Stress will help or hinder us depending on how we react to it. Between work and home, family and finances, deadlines and disagreements, many people find that life stress seems to be never-ending. By learning a variety of coping strategies, patients can maximize quality of life and performance.