Stress is a physical response to real or imagined threats. While sometimes seen as a purely negative thing, stress is actually a useful defense mechanism that can help you overcome challenges. It can also save your life in emergencies, giving you a boost to defend yourself or speed up your reactions. But if stress becomes chronic, it can cause problems in your mental and physical health. The main causes of stress are major life changes, including change in financial condition, workplace issues and relationship problems, according to Helpguide.org, a nonprofit wellness website.
Major Life Changes
The University at Buffalo states that major changes in life are the greatest contributors of stress for the majority of people. These changes require the most resources to cope, and the sheer amount of activity and adjustment that needs to be accomplished can be overwhelming.
Events that can provoke stress include moving, going to a new school, losing a job, getting married or divorced, medical issues and the death of loved ones. A change in finances can also be a major life change that leads to stress. This could be from either loss of money or gaining wealth, and facing the new-found related pressures, like investment decisions and tax concerns.
Workplace Stress
Dalton State College’s Dr. Marilyn M. Helms says that stress is one of the most common problems in the workplace and is blamed for loss of productivity, absenteeism and other issues. Workplace stress can come from alterations to the organization’s policies or structure, uncomfortable working conditions, personnel problems, budget concerns, low pay or harassment.
An imbalance between work and personal life can also cause stress, as the hectic pace of today’s workplace tends to demand greater attention and longer hours. This can leave little time for attention to adequate exercise, nutrition and maintaining personal relationships.
Relationship Stress
Relationship difficulty is one of the major stressors in people’s lives, notes Helpguide. It is important to have trusted friends and family members that you can rely on for support when facing life’s challenges. If you do not have good relationships, make it a point to try to build some connections.
Do volunteer work, have lunches or coffee breaks with co-workers or take a class to learn something new. Ensure that your work responsibilities do not prevent you from having a social life and spending time with the people you love.
