What is Stress?
People have very different ideas with respect to their definition of stress. Probably the most common is, “physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.” Another popular definition of stress is, “a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.”
If Life Were Easy They Would Have Asked For Volunteers
Stress is ubiquitous and follows us everywhere. Since there is simply no avoiding it, the task for mental health professionals has become to further our understanding to improve management in our patients and in ourselves.
To Begin to Manage Your Stress You Must First Identify Your Personal Triggers
Start by taking one of our scientifically validated, AIS certified stress assessments for just $19.95. These tests have been developed to identify your personal stressors and what you can do to control your stress so it doesn’t control you.
The most important phase of stress management is identifying your personal triggers. Start by taking an AIS certified stress assessment.
This quick online self-assessment provides personalized feedback on your stress risk scores, followed by a detailed nine-page stress report and a corresponding 66-page Stress Mastery Guide and Workbook.
Introduction to Stress for Teens
Our newest AIS certified FREE course
Introduction to Stress for Teens is a free course by The American Institute of Stress to help teenagers understand the stress response and manage every day stressors. In this short course you will learn to understand stress, keep your cool and cope with pressure.
Join the American Institute of Stress

Obtaining credentials from The American Institute of Stress is a designation that sets members apart as stress experts and reflects their commitment to the advancement of innovative and scientifically based stress management protocols.
The AIS Seal and credentials inform the public that the certificate holder commands advanced knowledge of the latest stress research and stress management techniques.
For physicians and other healthcare practitioners it designates your practice as an advanced treatment center for stress related illnesses.
Mismatched: Your Brain Under Stress
This 6-part documentary features some of the world’s leading experts on stress. Their collective experience stretches from the first experiments done on the mind/body connection to the latest research into unravelling the unconscious mind. As entertaining as it is informative, Mismatched teaches us about what stress is and how to master it.
Latest Blog Posts
Stress-related news curated by AIS and published weekly
More than social media: Teenage girls face mental health crisis
Social media, peer pressure, school, and other responsibilities play a role in the growing mental health crisis in American teenage [...]
CAN STRESS BE HEALTHY?
PHOTO BY COTTONBRO FROM PEXELS The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the [...]
Finding Contentment: A Transformative Podcast of Stress Management, Resilience, and Music
In a world brimming with challenges, it is a pleasure to discover a podcast that dives deep into the human [...]
Shop Our Gift Packs
We assembled a collection of 10 packs of qualified and fun stress management gear. In addition to your own use, these make the perfect gifts for your stressed family members and friends. They will definitely thank you for these useful and thoughtful gift packs.
My Stress Tools
The Gift of Relaxation
Relaxation-In-A-Box
Overcoming Stress Pack
Sleep-In-A-Box
The Anxiety & Emotional Eating Attack Pack
Stress Attack Pack
The Chillax Pack
Mindfulness Meditation Pack
The Unhealthy Behaviors Attack Pack
Online Courses
Learn How to Control Your Reactivity to Stress with our Favorite Certified Online Courses.
Spend the time to learn the best stress reliever there is to enjoy a lifetime of benefits.
An American Institute of Stress Certified Course in Meditation and More
Thinking is the cause. Behavior is only the symptom. Behavior change, therefore, is only symptom treatment. We teach you how to think differently to master your stress. This course consists of 13 Modules and 50+ Lessons including PDF lesson downloads and twice monthly group coaching calls. This curriculum includes practical applications in neuroplasticity, evidence-based meditation (that anyone can do!), nutrition, and more.
How can you help?
Giving is not just about donating, it’s about making a difference. Won’t you please donate and help us continue to make a difference?
Our mission is to improve the mental and physical health of the community and the world by setting the standard of excellence of stress management in education, research, clinical care, home life and the workplace. We educate and credential health care professionals and offer products and educational tools for everyone.
Please help us carry out our mission with a donation. The Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Your tax deductible gift allows us to continue helping you along with Service Members, first responders and civilians navigate stressful situations to have a happier, more rewarding life. Every dollar is greatly appreciated.