-- Work and the workplace problems is the biggest contributor to our stress. This is almost to be expected, since we spend one third of a day at work. Our job demands a certain performance and result from us, with limitation of resources. We are expected to compress maximum outputs within minimal resources. Normally, this demand is making stretching effect on us, which causes stress.
Bringing our work at home is cause of stress, since instead of relaxing we are still engaged with work.
Although some people are not working, that does not means that they are stress free. Demand of school or study can also be a cause of stress.
-- Money is necessary in or life, since nothing is for free. But here are two problems. First problem lays in the fact that our income is always limited, while our imagination of spending money is literally unlimited. The second problem is that more we earn the more we spend, but when we start to earn less, the spending habits stays. Indeed, it is difficult to cope with all temptation from marketing messages that we receive.
-- Family is frequent cause of stress. Having a family is the obligation that can occupy us beyond our capacity, which is causing stress. Things get worse when family problem is multiplied with money or work problem. You can be under a stress due to the influence of some family member to you. But even if family members do not influence you directly, you are still influenced. If some family member has some major problem, you have it too, until a certain extent.
-- Social factors can cause stress. Sometimes, if our pride is hurt we feel stressed. Nobody likes to be ashamed of something. Fighting competition can cause stress. If you envy somebody, you cannot stay calm. Traffic jam or cue can stress you. If you are being discriminated you can feel stressed.
Actually, there are many ways to be stressed. There are many things that cause stress. It would be difficult to avoid all stress situations. But if we learn and understand what causes stress in our life, if we become aware and able to anticipate stress, we will be in better position to face stress. Understanding and knowing the causes of stress can give us ability to anticipate stress. Once we know cause of stress and we get the ability to anticipate stress, we will be prepared to cope with stress and to recover after the stress period.
Effects of Stress
Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a highly subjective phenomenon that differs for each of us. Things that are distressful for some individuals can be pleasurable for others. We also respond to stress differently. Some people blush, some eat more while others grow pale or eat less. There are numerous physical as well as emotional responses as illustrated by the following list of some 50 common signs and symptoms of stress.
1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain
2. Gritting, grinding teeth
3. Stuttering or stammering
4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands
5. Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms
6. Light headedness, faintness, dizziness
7. Ringing, buzzing or "popping sounds
8. Frequent blushing, sweating
9. Cold or sweaty hands, feet
10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing
11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores
12. Rashes, itching, hives, "goose bumps"
13. Unexplained or frequent "allergy" attacks
14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
15. Excess belching, flatulence
16. Constipation, diarrhea
17. Difficulty breathing, sighing
18. Sudden attacks of panic
19. Chest pain, palpitations
20. Frequent urination
21. Poor sexual desire or performance
22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness
23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility
24. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings
25. Increased or decreased appetite
26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams
27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts
28. Trouble learning new information
29. Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion
30. Difficulty in making decisions.
31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed.
32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts
33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness
34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality
35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping
36. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess
37. Overreaction to petty annoyances
38. Increased number of minor accidents
39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior
40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity
41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work
42. Rapid or mumbled speech
43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness
44. Problems in communication, sharing
45. Social withdrawal and isolation
46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue
47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs
48. Weight gain or loss without diet
49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use
50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying
Increased stress results in increased productivity – up to a point, after which things go rapidly downhill. However, that point or peak differs for each of us, so you need to be sensitive to the early warning symptoms and signs that suggest a stress overload is starting to push you over the hump. Such signals also differ for each of us and can be so subtle that they are often ignored until it is too late. Not infrequently, others are aware that you may be headed for trouble before you are.
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