Stress testing is a method used to evaluate the stability and reliability of a system under heavy load conditions, simulating scenarios where the system experiences higher than average traffic such as during process deadlines or peak hours. This type of load testing involves gradually increasing the load to a level significantly higher than normal, often 50% to 100% above average, but can vary depending on the risk scenarios the system may encounter. It is crucial to conduct stress tests only after completing average-load tests to identify any performance issues under typical conditions before subjecting the system to more strenuous testing. Utilizing tools like Grafana k6, the process involves a controlled ramp-up to an increased load, maintaining that level for a period, and then gradually reducing it, aiming to observe how performance degrades and whether the system remains stable. The results from stress tests help determine if the system can handle extended periods of high demand and inform whether further soak testing is necessary to assess long-term performance under sustained load.