Three Causes Of Stress That Lie Within You...

The Psychological Causes of Stress

Photo: Julia Freeman-Woolpert

Each individual perceives stress in her own unique way. The situation that is stressful for you might be enjoyable for the other person.

The stress is most of the time a matter of perception. Many a times you have no control over the external stressors, but you can try and change your attitudes.

Let us understand those emotions that might give rise to stress and tensions.

1. Frustrations – It is a state of insecurity and dissatisfaction arising from unresolved problems or unfulfilled needs. Frustrations lead to stress.

   Frustration can be due to external events – approaching examination or interview, arguments with the boss, mounting debts, getting late for the office, etc.

   Frustration can also be due to internal reasons: unrealistic expectations, lack of skills, un-willingness to change, etc., are the biggest causes of stress that give rise to a feeling of frustration.

2. Conflicts – Conflicts cause stress when there are two or more incompatible needs or demands. You may feel torn between demands of your work and demands of your family. You might want very badly that sleek new gadget, but are afraid to bear the financial burden that buying it entails. You want to eat chocolate éclair but are anxious about rising blood sugar level.

3. Pressures – Pressures of living cause you plenty of stress. These are the demands that life makes on you on daily basis. Baby wants more time, boss wants more sales, teenager wants more money, and parents demand more attention.

Can you identify here the leading causes of stress in your life? Can you learn to enjoy stress? You may, if you pay heed to the pressures that you already enjoy.

Change Your Attitudes to Conquer Stress

There are things that you can change, and there are things that you can’t. Changing your attitude will help in conquering stress in your life:

1. Accepting the inevitable,
2. Openness to changes, and,
3. Willingness to learn new skills.

These are the main elements of attitude that will help you in reducing the causes of stress in your life.

As Heraclitus said – “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

There are always going to remain many causes of stress in life. What are the steps that you are taking to manage stress? Have you adopted some lifestyle strategies that help you in de-stressing? Click here for some ideas on stress relief and see which one suits you best.