The concept of stress dates back to ancient times, with early Greek and Roman philosophers recognizing the impact of emotional and psychological stress on the human body. However, the formal study of stress and stress management is a relatively recent development.

In the early 20th century, Canadian physician Hans Selye began conducting research on the physiological effects of stress. Selye’s work led to the development of the General Adaptation Syndrome, which describes the physiological response to stress in three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

In the 1950s and 1960s, researchers began to explore the relationship between stress and health, and the concept of stress management began to emerge. One of the early pioneers in this field was Walter Cannon, an American physiologist who coined the term “fight or flight” to describe the body’s response to stress.

During the 1970s and 1980s, stress management became a popular topic in the fields of psychology and medicine. A variety of techniques were developed to help individuals manage stress, including relaxation techniques, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Today, stress management is recognized as an important aspect of maintaining physical and mental health. There are a variety of approaches to stress management, including mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga, and meditation, as well as more traditional techniques such as exercise and time management. The field of stress management continues to evolve, as researchers and practitioners explore new ways to help individuals cope with the demands of modern life.