Stress can be caused by any number of factors, including changes-both good and bad-personal problems, physical difficulties, illnesses.

Here are the common sources of stress arranged by category from high to lower levels of intensity.

Death of spouse
Death of close friend
Marital separation
Personal illness
Divorce
Sexual difficulties
Death of close family member
Change in living conditions
Marital reconciliation
Change in residence
Change in Health of family member
Personal achievement
Gaining a new family member
Holiday
Child leaving home
Change in sleeping habits
Pregnancy
Change in eating habits
Wife beginning work
In-law troubles
Dismissal
Redundancy
Foreclosure on mortgage
business readjustment
Change in financial state
Change in line of work
Mortgage over $10 000
Change in work responsibilities
Mortgage under $10 000
Change in working conditions
Trouble with boss, co-workers

The best things you can do to cope with stress in your daily life are perhaps obvious, but are important:

Eat a balanced diet
Get enough sleep
Exercise daily
Take time to do the things you enjoy
Do not smoke cigarettes
Do not abuse alcohol or drugs

If you are feeling excessively stressed, however, it might be a good idea to talk with a professional and learn how to reduce your reactions or channel them more positively. People who are easily upset and acutely sensitive to stress can try to reduce their reactions by learning relaxation, medication, behavior modification or biofeedback techniques.