Stress may cause a variety of reactions in your body, including but not limited to anxiety, upset stomach, trembling and jitters to full-blown panic attacks. Some people thrive under stress or pressure, while others crumple. Understand some of the things that may cause you stress so that you're more able to recognize it early and take steps to relieve it before it leads to physical manifestations. Stress reactions are normal, part of the "fight or flight" response built into the body. Keep stress under control by avoiding triggers that lead to stress for you.
Death and Divorce
Loss of a loved one through death, separation or divorce can be a major stress trigger, according to HelpGuide.org. Death can cause you to feel alone, abandoned and anxious about your security and safety. Divorce compels you to deal not only with the loss of a partner, but the added burden of shouldering all responsibilities such as child care and rearing and finances. Such major changes in your daily routines, lifestyle and expectations often lead to overwhelming stress.
Illness
If you've been diagnosed with a chronic illness or disease, you may feel the stress of worry, uncertainty for the future or the safety and security of your family. In such cases, you may feel lonely or depressed and develop an inability to focus. Not only are you dealing with discomfort of your illness, but perhaps also lack of mobility, body functions and an ability to properly care for your loved ones. Stress related to the financial burdens of medical bills or hospitalization may also increase anxiety.
New Job
A new job may cause stress, coupled with job demands and expectations, staffing issues and how you deal with upper or lower management, according to ChangingMinds.org. Some people changing jobs worry about job security before they reach tenure or may worry about relationships with their peers in the workplace environment. Pressure to perform more work, increase in work responsibilities, environment and less time to complete tasks increases stress for many individuals, leading to staff turnover, call-ins and longer work hours.
Finances
Lack of adequate finances is a major stress contributor, according to ChangingMinds.org. Lack of money to pay bills, mortgages and school tuition may cause individuals extreme stress and anxiety. Inability to feed your children or clothe them properly also takes its toll. Having money and then losing it also causes extreme anxiety for some, especially those who have worked their whole life toward retirement only to lose it.
