Gaobee Vang
ENG 111-97
Cause & Effect Essay
March 30, 2015
The Different Causes of Stress Nowadays, twenty-four hours in a day does not seem to be enough. Stress has become a common situation in our society. According to Sackmann and Nicola, "Stress is the body's natural response to demanding situations, limitations, or events, also known as stressors.” People will constantly have to cope with stress, which is uncomfortably difficult. Some people have different ways of handling their stress. Not every method works the same for everyone or in every situation. They will need to focus on what makes them feel less stressed. Sometimes they may feel like the stress is way out of their control, but they can control their response to stress in a positive way. The three common external causes of stress refer to work, college, and divorce. Of course, not all stress is caused by external factors. Stress can also be self-generated, for instance, the inability to accept uncertainty. To begin with, “Workplace stress is common, yet it is not always easy to see or remedy. Poor planning, difficulties with assessing priorities, organizational policy gaps, supervisory issues and immature interpersonal relations among co-workers can create stress” (What Causes Stress). Some of the increase of stress comes from fear of layoffs or budget cuts, but technology is one factor of stress in the workplace. The technology growth may enhance workplace productivity, but it also increases stress on the workers. Technology is supposed to make employees feel more productive at work, and less burdened. They cannot control everything in their work setting, but that does not mean they are incapable. When they feel a weight of stress on their shoulders at work, they may lose confidence and may become irritable. This can make them less prolific and constructive on their job, and make the work seem less interesting. Finding ways to reduce workplace stress is not about making changes or thinking about pursing a new career. It is about concentrating on the one thing that is always within their control – themselves.
Furthermore, college life can be very stressful. Many students refer to themselves as being “stressed out.” Going off to college means adjustments to their daily routine, sleeping and eating habits and time-management skills. Adapting to this new life changing stage is difficult for most students. Some college students deal with missing home. Winterowd stated that, “One of the potential stresses of college is adjusting expectations to fit the realities of college life. Some traditional college students may have idealistic or high expectations of what college life will be like, which may or may not fit with the realities.” The process of applying to a college and getting the classes you need is also often stressful and frustrating. Balancing classes, academic performances, tests, writing papers, extra-curricular activities and work are enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Another cause of stress for college students is final exams. Students will stay up all night studying in the library, and not get enough sleep.
Lastly, another cause of stress is divorce. Divorce has become one of the biggest disappointments in life. Divorcing and separating is stressful. This is a life changing experience for most people, depending on how they handle it. In agreement with De Casanova, “Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage, as initiated by one or both
