Brief introduction on stress
A person’s physical and psychological reaction towards the increasing demands of life, which makes them upset or feel threatened is termed as stress. Life these days is very demanding and full of deadlines and hassles. According to the survey, majority of the Americans encounter stress atleast at one point every year. For some, stress is so common that it has become a part of their lives. Though stress is a negative condition, but at times motivates a person to perform better in life. Stress becomes a sickness and requires treatment when it appears constantly and affects a person’s day to day activities. A stressed person senses danger, which could be imaginary or real.
Symptoms of stress
The symptoms of stress include aches, pains, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, loss of sex drive, frequent colds, abnormal eating habits, abnormal sleeping habits, isolating from other people, using alcohol and drugs, smoking, being nervous and running away from responsibilities.
What causes stress
Stress affects a person’s body, behavior and mind in various ways, but it won’t be the same for everyone. Different people experience stress in a different way. The causes of stress may vary too from person to person. Let us know the various causes of stress:
• Death of a loved one
• Health issues like injury, pregnancy or illness
• Being a victim of some crime
• Addiction to drugs and alcohol
• Sexual issues
• Increase of responsibilities
• Change in the environment
• Financial problems
• Shifting to a new place
• Changes in working hours
• Lack of sleep
• Arguments with family, friends or others
• Change in life such as marriage, divorce, separation or having a baby
The causes are classified below according to the work, environment, physical, family, psychological and social causes:
1. Environmental causes
• Extreme noise
• Traffic jam
• Pollution
• Poor housing
• Damp conditions
2. Work causes
• Excess working hours
• Low pay
• Being bullied at workplace
• Time pressure
• Commuting to work
• Conflicts with colleagues
• Job insecurity
• Being a workaholic
• Problem in delegating
• Lack of supervision
• Not being recognized for the work
• Company takeovers
• Understaffing
3. Family causes
• Spouse suffering from health problem
• An ill relative
• Having a spouse who is addicted to alcohol or drugs
• Problematic relationships
• Arguments with children
• Children leaving home
• Bereavement
4. Psychological issues
• Being short tempered
• Unemployment
• Bad childhood memories
• Health worries
• Worrying too much for every matter
• Unrealistic expectations
• Unrealistic beliefs
• Examinations
• Criticizing own self
• Negative thinking pattern
• Low self esteem
• Loneliness
• Boredom
• Seeking perfectionism
• Financial problems
• Stubbornness
• Unhappy with owns personality
5. Physical causes
• Lack of sleep
• Over exercise or lack of exercise
• Poor diet
• Excessive intake of caffeine
• Excess heat
• Alcohol misuse
• Excess cold
• Chronic hyperventilation
• Chronic pain
• Inability to relax
• Smoking
• Illness
• Surgery
• Hypoglycaemia
6. Social causes
• Racial harassment
• Problematic neighbors
• Victim of a crime
• Unfriendly and unhelpful people
• Low social support
• Poverty
• Living in urban areas fear of crime

Treatment for stress
Hope you are not looking for any medical treatment to get rid of your stress, as stress cannot be cured by any medicines. To get rid of stress, you one must learn to manage stress and learn the relaxation techniques. It is not right to loose hopes thinking that you cannot eliminate stress as this can further trigger the symptoms of stress. Take a charge and control over your thoughts, emotions, and environment and find a way to deal with your problems. Adopt stress management techniques and take complete care of yourself. Relaxation techniques include meditation, yoga and regular exercise to keep mind and body fresh and active.