The situations and pressures that cause stress are known asstressors. We usually think of stressors as being negative, such as an exhausting work schedule or a rocky relationship.
However, anything that puts high demands on you or forces you to adjust can be stressful. This includes positive events such as getting married, buying a house, going to college, or receiving a promotion.
What causes stress depends, at least in part, on your perception of it. Something that's stressful to you may not faze someone else; they may even enjoy it.
For example, your morning commute may make you anxious and tense because you worry that traffic will make you late. Others, however, may find the trip relaxing because they allow more than enough time and enjoy listening to music while they drive.
Top Ten Stressful Life Events
- Spouse’s death
- Divorce
- Marriage separation
- Jail term
- Death of a close relative
- Injury or illness
- Marriage
- Fired from job
- Marriage reconciliation
- Retirement
Common external causes of stress
Not all stress is caused by external factors. Stress can also be self-generated:
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Common internal causes of stress
Not all stress is caused by external factors. Stress can also be self-generated:
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What's Stressful For You?
What's stressful for you may be quite different from what's stressful to your best friend, your spouse, or the person next door. For example:
- Some people enjoy speaking in public; others are terrified.
- Some people are more productive under deadline pressure; others are miserably tense.
- Some people are eager to help family and friends through difficult times; others find it very stressful.
- Some people feel comfortable complaining about bad service in a restaurant; others find it so difficult to complain that they prefer to suffer in silence.
- Some people may feel that changes at work represent a welcome opportunity; others worry about whether they'll be able to cope.
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