Identify types of thinking that lead to stress. X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source Licensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker Expert Interview. X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source You must learn ways to counter your body's stress response so that you can 'put the brakes' on and allow your body to relax. But you may also unconsciously perceive that this reaction is necessary for non-life-threatening situations, such as traffic jams, looming deadlines, or family issues. X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source This reaction causes your heart to pound, your pulse to quicken, and your muscles to tense. Your body has a very efficient reaction to dangerous events that pumps up your 'fight-or-flight' response, allowing you to jump out of the way of an oncoming car and save your life. Be aware that stress begins with our perceptions.