Stress

Stress is a response by the body to any demand made upon it. The demand can be a threat, a challenge, or any kind of change which requires the body to adapt. The response can be automatic and immediate.

Stress can be good when it helps you perform better, but it can be bad when it causes upset or makes you sick – stress is usually negative when you do not have the resources to deal with the demand.

What causes stress?

There are many causes of stress but they can be split into two general groups: external and internal. Some examples are given below:

External
Physical environment
noise, bright lights, heat, confined spaces
Social
rudeness, bossiness or aggressiveness on the part of someone else
Organisational
rules, regulations, "red tape", deadlines
Daily hassles
commuting, misplacing keys, mechanical breakdowns

Internal
Lifestyle choices
caffeine, not enough sleep, overloaded schedule
Negative self talk
pessimistic thinking, self-criticism, over-analysing
Mind traps
unrealistic expectations, taking things personally, all or nothing
thinking, exaggerating, rigid thinking
Personality traits
perfectionist, workaholic, always trying to please

It is important to note that some of the stress that most of us have, is a result of of our own doing. Recognising that we create some of our own upsets is an important first step to dealing with them.