Stress is your body's reaction to the various demands of the world. There are two main types of stress, according to the Mayo Clinic. Acute stress is a response to things like a minor car accident or an important meeting at work. Chronic stress results from long-term exposure to acute stress, such as ongoing problems with your boss, financial struggles or relationship issues. While most everyone deals with at least some degree stress on a daily basis, a number of life changing events and circumstance can cause major stress.
Major Events
Major life events, whether positive or negative can cause major stress, notes the Mayo Clinic. Getting married, becoming pregnant or even getting a promotion at work can be stressful. Events like divorce, the death of a loved one or the shattering news that you've been diagnosed with a serious illness may also cause profound stress.
Lifestyle Changes
Events that lead to significant changes in your day to day life may cause major stress, whether they were planned or unexpected. Circumstances that may rock your routine include a job transfer to another city, a child moving out or returning and increased responsibilities due to an aging parent.
Perhaps a downturn in the economy has resulted in staff layoffs and you are frequently asked to work extra hours. This may leave you less time to complete other tasks.
Finances
Financial struggles can be a major cause of stress. Perhaps you lost your job or received a pay cut. You may have trouble making your monthly bills and may be worried about a possible home foreclosure.
On the opposite end of the financial spectrum a windfall can also create major stress. When you come into large sums of unexpected money---winning a lottery or an inheritance---it can create a unique set of problems according to Oprah.com. You may feel guilty about your good fortune and it may create friction with family members and friends.
Fear & Uncertainty
Fear and uncertainty can be major sources of stress, according to HelpGuide.org. Perhaps you become anxious at the idea of speaking in public but your job requires you to do so. Maybe you have to get an on airplane even though you have a fear of flying.
Waiting for your doctor to call with test results or wondering if your name is on the soon-to-be released layoff list at the office can also be big sources of stress.
