Causes of Stress- What are the Causes of Stress

Imagine a Stress-Free Existence!

Stress affects us all. The key is to spot the symptoms. Then you can take the necessary actions to manage your symptoms and greatly improve your work life balance.

positive attitude
Imagine A Stress Free Existence

In general terms there are four main causes of stress:

  • Threat
  • Fear
  • Uncertainty
  • Cognitive Dissonance

THREAT

Physical, Social and Financial threats are all causes of stress. It is our perceptions of these threats that impact us the most. To an outsider, the threat may seem insignificant. But if we perceive the threat as being significant, whether it really is or not, our stress level will go up and our work life balance will be affected.

FEAR

Our fears lead us to imagine outcomes. If we imagine negative outcomes, we will cause stress. Once again, our fears do not have to be based in reality to be causes of stress.

UNCERTAINTY

Having certainty in our lives is one of our six basic human needs. When we are not certain we struggle to predict. When we lack certainty, we feel that we are not in control. The result, of course, is stress.

COGNITIVE DISSONANCE

Cognitive dissonance refers to our behavior; if a behavior is not consistent with a belief, then you are more than likely going to attempt to change the belief to match the behavior.

This is a psychological phenomenon which refers to the discomfort we feel when there are discrepancies between what we know and believe, and how we act.

Cognitive dissonance occurs when there is a need to accommodate new ideas. You will feel stress, brought on by embarrassment, fear and being upset at the outcomes of the dissonance.

This particular cause of stress is very prevalent in the 21st century working environment, especially in relation to change and new technology.

Life Causes of Stress

There are many causes of stress in our lives, including the following:

  • Health – Injury, Illness, Pregnancy
  • Family Change – Separation, Divorce, Marriage,
  • Arguments – With family member, spouse, boss,
  • Physical Changes – New working hours, lack of sleep
  • Money – Lack of it, owing it, investing it
  • Responsibility Increase – Job Role, Promotion, New Dependant

Action Steps

Developing work life balance means acknowledging the causes of stress in your own life. Watch your own stress levels carefully. Then review the six stressors and take some action to cope with your stress.