Causes of Stress

Stress could be a result of both physical and/or mental strain and pressure. Stress is created when suddenly there comes a situation that is beyond your control and you are ill equipped to handle it.

The gap between the kind of energy and mental readiness that is required to tackle a situation and the actual capacity to handle the situation determines stress. If your reserve, mental capacity, energy, stamina to cope with the situation falls short, stress may be the outcome.

It is also the result of suddenness of an event. For example, demand by the boss to make an urgent presentation, visit the client at a short notice etc. This creates a pressure and strain on the mind, thereby creating stress.

Similarly, news about illness of family member, news about untimely unfair death of a known person creates a feeling of panic, hopelessness, frustration, feeling of uncertainty about the future, fear for well being of near and dear ones, thereby creating tension, anxiety and acute stress.

Modern day lifestyle is also a very potent source of stress. Traveling can be quoted as one of the most important stressors in daily life. Hectic schedules of travelling, haste in reaching places, hurrying up to catch a particular train/bus, overcrowding in modes of public transport and heavy traffic on streets causes mental irritation and boredom, and physical discomfort too. This consequently creates stress.

Professional requirements and responsibilities are also a source of stress. The ever present competition, threat of job insecurity, putting in more hours for earning more, the unrealistic demands by higher ups, politics in organization, pressure of nearing deadlines, travelling orders on short notice creates strain and stress.

Relationships can be stressful too. Couples who are having too many differences, cannot give proper time and attention to the relationship, in relationships where there isn’t intimacy and harmony between couples, if fights and bickering are constant, it leads to restlessness, anxiety, frustration, mental trauma and subsequently develops into stress.

Not devoting sufficient time for self care leads to stress. A person may not sleep adequately, may not eat on time, may not spend time for relaxation and recreation. If there is no outlet for pent up emotions, no release of negative feelings, no creative expression, stress is sure to build.