As we approach the end of the year, December feels just within reach — yet not quite here. Many of us find ourselves caught up in the rush: deadlines, responsibilities, and the constant feeling of moving from one task to the next without pause. It’s a time when stress and anxiety often rise, leaving us drained. That’s why in this series, we’ll be talking about stress: what it is, what it isn’t, how it affects us, and most importantly, what we can do about it.

To cope effectively with stress, we first need to understand it. Stress is not just a mental construct or something “in your head.” It is real — with physical, emotional, social, and intellectual effects on your body and mind. Think of it as a bucket being filled. Every small stressor — whether at work, home, or elsewhere — adds a drop. Over time, that bucket fills up, and eventually, it overflows. When it does, we feel overwhelmed. This is why it’s important to recognize stress as something cumulative that must be managed across different areas of life.

When looking at the stressors in your own life, consider every dimension where you invest energy — work, studies, finances, family, children, and even positive commitments like exercise or marathon training. Each of these can create strain in its own way. The good news is that dealing with stress doesn’t always require major life changes. Often, it’s about making small but meaningful adjustments in those specific areas. Little shifts can go a long way in easing the pressure and creating a healthier balance.