Stress is now considered to be an important risk factor for health professionals to address because of the impacts that it has on individuals. It is defined as a pathology leading to a range of problems, which occur when the physical and mental capacities of the individual are overwhelmed or otherwise exceeded. Nevertheless, this concept encompasses a range of definitions which may be have implications for individual performance both within the workplace and outside of it. The following article seeks to explain the concept of stress as well as the most important factors in addressing it using the latest research findings. It identifies different types of stress, phases, as well as the causes, consequences and guidelines that should be considered when analysing and dealing with it.