The word stress is taken from engineering jargon in essence it means the deformation of change caused on a body by the internal force that work on it. The maximum stress a body can withstand and still return to its normal state is know as its elastic limit. This applies on people too. An individual has his or her own elastic limit both in terms of degree and type of stress. It is when the body is put under long term stress that it can reach its snapping point, if it does the damage can be irreparable.

The art of stress management is to keep yourself at a level of stimulation that is healthy and enjoyable. Most people realize that aspect of their work and lifestyle can cause stress. While this is true it is also important to note that it can be caused by your environment and by the food and drink you consume. There are several major sources of stress

a) Survival Stress : This may occur in cases where your survival or health is threatened, where you are put under pressure or where you experience some unpleasant or challenging event. Here adrenalin is released into your body and you experience all the symptoms of your body preparing for fight or flight.

b) Internally Generated Stress : This can come from anxious worrying about events beyond your control from a tense and hurried approach to your life or from relationship problems caused by your own behaviour. It can also come from an addiction to and enjoyment of stress.

c) Environmental Stress : Here your living or working environment causes the stress. It may come from noise, crowding, pollution, untidiness, dirt or other distractions. Alternatively stress can come from events at work.

d) Fatigue and Overwork : Here stress builds up over a long period. This can occur where you try to achieve too much in too little time or where you are not using effective time management strategies.

e) Lifestyle and Job Stress : Many stresses you experience may come from your job or from your lifestyle. These may include :

Job Related Stress :

• Too much or too little work
• Having to perform beyond your experience and perceived abilities
• Having to overcome unnecessary obstacles.
• Time pressure and deadlines.
• Keeping up with new developments.
• Changes in procedures and policies.
• Lack of relevant information, support and advice, clear objectives, unclear expectations of your role from your boss or colleagues

Career development Stress :

• Under promotion, frustration and boredom with current role.
• Over promotion beyond abilities.
• Lack of a clear plan for career development.
• Lack of opportunities
• Lack of job security.

Personal and Family Stress :

• Financial problems
• Relationship problems
• Poor health
• Family changes such as birth, death, marriage or divorce.

For symptoms of stress click here

For long term symptoms of stress click here

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