Nine Quotes About Stress

Many people suffer from stress. They sometimes enter into vicious circles that tend to feed back into this unhealthy state. There are certain quotes that can help you learn a little more about stress and its limitations. Here are nine of them.
Nine Quotes About Stress
Sergio De Dios González

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Sergio De Dios González.

Written by Edith Sánchez

Last update: 03 March, 2023

The quotes about stress in this article are small capsules of wisdom, designed to help you better understand this particular state. Some of them even include guidelines for managing it correctly. Stress is one of the greatest evils of this century. Occasionally, it can even seem that the more progress you make, the more stress you experience.

Certain figures have developed memorable quotes about stress. We’ve made a selection of some of the most interesting.

The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.

-William James-

stressed woman
Stress maintained over time can generate states of anxiety and depression.

Stress is the trash of modern life

The following are some quotes about modern life stress.

Stress is the trash of modern life – we all generate it, but if you don’t dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life .”

-Danze Pace-

It could be said that, in today’s world, all people suffer from stress to a certain degree. This isn’t bad in itself, but as the quote says, allowing it to build up can do great damage. It’s not that you shouldn’t feel it but you mustn’t allow it to grow and become entrenched.

Trying to be a perfectionist brings increased stress and hinders performance .”

-T. Whitmore-

This quote about stress is intended for those who tend to obsess over perfection. It’s something you can never reach, no matter how much effort you invest. There’ll always be something that can be improved. On the other hand, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the pursuit of excellence, as long as it doesn’t ruin your mood.

Today, we know that much of the stress people suffer derives from the need to control everything. However, in reality, many things are beyond human control. Therefore, it’s important to learn to recognize to what extent you have power over things and to what extent you don’t. In some situations, you just have to let things be and let go.

One of the best ways to reduce stress is to accept the things you cannot control.”

-M.P. Neary-

Stress, the silent enemy

In this group of quotes about stress, reference is made to something that we all sometimes ask ourselves: where does it come from? Some hints are also given for overcoming it.

Overthinking causes unnecessary stress and worry, and tends to blow things out of proportion .”

-Melissa Eshleman-

This is one of the most lucid phrases about stress. Obviously, it’s important to think about things, reflect on them, and draw conclusions about them. However, there comes a point when this can become a taxing exercise. Indeed, there’s a time for thinking, another for acting, and another for rest.

Much of the stress that people feel does not come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they started .”

-David Allen-

Although it’s often thought that stress often comes from having too little time, this isn’t always true. Sometimes, it’s associated with the worry of having several demanding situations in which you feel blocked and unable to advance.

Laughter can help bring balance to a stressful situation .”

-Kala Stevenson-

This quote about stress can apply to all kinds of situations. Indeed, laughter helps release tension and, for this reason, helps you de-stress. In fact, any situation or activity that encourages laughter and fun should never be downplayed: they’re both real antidotes to stress.

Stress is like spice: in the right proportion it enhances the flavor of a dish. Too little produces a dull bland meal; too much may choke you .”

-Donald Tubesing-

In principle, stress isn’t negative. It makes you alert, increases your attention, and focuses your energy to deal with demanding situations. Therefore, in a reasonable measure, it’s adaptive. However, when it’s allowed to grow uncontrollably, it turns against you and eventually makes you sick.

A woman under stress
Chronic stress can severely affect our health and well-being.

Other quotes about stress

Take rest; a field that has rested, gives a bountiful crop  ”.

-Ovid-

Nothing is as effective in counteracting stress as a good rest. For this reason, sleep and leisure time should be cared for as if they were treasures. They not only help to release tension but also have a really positive effect on productivity and mood.

Set peace of mind as your highest goal and organize your life around it .”

-Brian Tracy-

One of the most valuable things in life is peace of mind. So much so that it’s worth organizing your whole life around the goal of achieving it. If you possess inner peace, it’s easy for other positive feelings and states to flourish.

The above are merely quotes about stress. They’re not instructions or directives, nor are they revelations. They’re just statements. That said, they’re well worth reflecting on.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Lancheros García EA, Tovar Valle JF, Rojas Bermúdez CA. Risa y salud: abordajes terapéuticos. MedUNAB [Internet]. 31 de mayo de 2011 [citado 3 de enero de 2023];14(1):69-75. Disponible en: https://revistas.unab.edu.co/index.php/medunab/article/view/1380
  • Meichenbaum, D. (1987). Manual de inoculación de estrés. Martínez Roca.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.