Stress is the body’s natural response to change and is an unavoidable part of life. This response may be triggered by emotions, day-to-day situations, or environmental factors, such as air pollution and climate. (25) Not all stress is bad; in fact, short-term (acute) stress can help protect you from dangerous threats and trauma. (12) It’s important for long-term (chronic) stress to be managed as it can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health.