Causes:
Stress is caused by a number of seemingly invisible factors and is strongly influenced by the demands of modern life. Anything from deadlines to relationship issues to financial troubles can cause stress.
Stressors
Stressors are physical or psychological triggers that cause stress. Today, we interact with countless stressors that, over time, can tax our various systems and weaken our ability to fight off ailments and disease. Stressors originate in physical, chemical, emotional, or personal form and are outlined below.
Physical Stressors
Physical stressors are the most easily recognized, as they are significantly stimulating and directly affect one or more senses. Physical stressors include crowds, paperwork, sound waves and noise, radios, televisions, telephones, temperature extremes, traffic, ultraviolet light, x-rays, and more.
Chemical Stressors
Chemicals are pervasive in our environment and many are toxic to your body. Excess exposure forces your body to exert additional resources to neutralize and eliminate the toxin. Chemical stressors include car exhaust, chemical cleaners, cigarettes, pollution, lack of oxygen, poisons, food additives and preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, off-gassing (drywall, carpets, et cetera), unfiltered water, alcohol, junk food, food exposure to plastics, plastic wrap, and more. Chemicals can also originate from external or internal bacteria and viruses.
Emotional Stressors
Emotional stressors are any situations or experiences that result in personal anxiety, anger, nervousness, or resentment leading to stress. Emotional stressors include spousal conflict, poor office relations, demanding coworkers or superiors, demanding children, deadlines, bills to pay, the birth of a child, new marriage, loud noise, background noise, job loss, divorce, personal loss, trauma, illness, ill family members, preparing for significant events, and generally chaotic events.
Personal Stressors
Personal stressors are similar to emotional stressors, but exist solely because of personal action. Personal stressors include overwork, excessive physical activity, excessive mental activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, general substance abuse, and simply finding something to worry about, among other things.
