Stress in this context is a reaction to continual excessive pressure or responsibility when you feel inadequate or unable to cope. In the 21st Century we are confronted with a seemingly endless stream of ‘stresses’ such as financial pressures, fear of redundancy, over–work, deadline pressures, important business presentations etc. Sometimes the constant, ongoing pressure resulting from these comes to a point at which our bodies cannot recover and we begin to experience stress.
Major life events can also cause stress. Divorce, family deaths and periods of illness for example can also make it harder to deal with stress at work. While stress at work and major life events are obvious stress causes, don’t forget that day-to-day stressors can make a significant impact on stress levels. Traffic jams, bill payments, family tensions, flat tyres, dentist’s appointments, and an infinite number of minor causes of stress all add to your stress level.
Stress is an individual response. What causes stress in one person may not cause stress in another. Typically it is the point at which the pressure of dealing with all the issues facing us gets beyond our ability to cope, that the effects of stress begin to appear.
Learning how to manage stress is key to prevention
Managing stress is a continuous process. Before you can start managing stress you have to understand your own reactions to potentially stressful situations. Determine what causes you stress and how you react. Once you can identify this then you can start managing your own stress.
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