Our lives are filled with the everyday stresses of work, school, and family, just to name a few. Everyone experiences stress at some point, it’s a normal part of life. Events that happen to you and around you and things you do to yourself – put stress on your body. You can experience stress through your environment, your body, and your thoughts.

Stress is your body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, emotional, and mental responses. Everyone’s body reacts differently.

Causes of Stress

The situations that cause stress are known as stressors?. What causes stress depends mostly on your perception of the situation.

Common external causes of stress:

• Major life changes
• Work
• Relationship problems
• Financial issues
• Being too busy
• Family and children

Common internal causes of stress:

• Inability to accept uncertainty
• Pessimism
• Negative self-talk
• Unrealistic expectations
• Perfectionism
• Lack of assertiveness

Effects of Stress

Stress can be either negative or positive. Positive stress can keep us alert, ready to avoid dangers. Stress has negative effects when a person faces continuous challenges without relief or relaxation. When a person becomes overwhelmed with stress, stress-related tension builds.

Your body reacts to negative stress in a number of ways. It can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior.

Effects on your body:

• Headache
• Muscle tension or pain
• Chest Pain
• Fatigue
• Upset Stomach
• Skin breakouts
• Sleep problems

Effects on your mood:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Lack of motivation
• Lack of focus
• Irritability or anger
• Sadness or depression

Effects on your behavior:

• Overeating or undereating
• Angry outbursts
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Tobacco use
• Social withdrawl

Know your limit

Because of the widespread damage stress can cause, it’s important to know when you’ve taken on more than your body can handle. Everyone handles stress differently. Some people just roll with the punches while others crumble at the slightest obstacle.

Your ability to tolerate stress depends on a number of factors including:

• Your support system – A strong support system of close friends and family is a huge buffer against life’s stressors. The more you isolate yourself the most likely you are to experience stress.
• Your sense of control – If you have confidence in yourself and your ability to face challenges and overcome obstacles, it’s easier to deal with stress. People who are vulnerable to stress tend to feel like things are out of their control.
• Your attitude and outlook – People who have a positive outlook on life are less likely to suffer from stress. They tend to embrace challenges, have a sense of humor, accept that change is a part of life, and believe in a higher power.
• Your ability to deal with your emotions – You become vulnerable to stress when you don’t know how to calm yourself down when you’re feeling sad, angry, or afraid. The ability to control your emotions helps you recover from adversity.
• Your knowledge and preparation – The more you mentally prepare for a stressful situation, the easier it is to cope.

How To Manage Stress

Taking the steps to manage your stress can have numerous health benefits. Explore stress management strategies like exercise, relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga. Also be sure to get plenty of rest, eat right, and avoid excessive tobacco use or alcohol intake.

Trisha Banks is a blogger for Zimmet Vein & Dermatology in Austin, Texas. She wanted to learn about causes and symptoms of stress.