People respond in different ways to events and situations. One person may find an event joyful and gratifying, but another person may find the same event miserable and frustrating. Some people do their best when their lives are filled with activity, while others may prefer a slower pace. Sometimes, people may handle distress in ways that make bad situations worse by reacting with feelings of anger, guilt, fear, hostility, anxiety and moodiness. Stress can be caused by a physical or emotional change, or a change in your environment that requires you to adjust or respond.
Stressors can be minor hassles, major lifestyle changes or a combination of both.
Being able to identify stressors in your life and releasing the tension they cause are the keys to managing stress. Below are some common stressors that can affect people at all stages of life. When you are exposed to long periods of stress, your body gives warning signals that something is wrong. These physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral warning signs should not be ignored. They tell you that you need to slow down.