What it is

Stress occurs when your body responds as though you are in danger. It produces hormones, such as adrenaline, that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight stress response.

Causes

Stress can arise for a variety of reasons. It can be brought about by a traumatic accident, death, or emergency situation. Stress can also be a side effect of a serious illness or disease.
There is also stress associated with daily life, the workplace, and family responsibilities. It's hard to stay calm and relaxed in our hectic lives.
Any change in our lives can be stressful?even some of the happiest ones like having a baby or taking a new job. Here are some of life's most stressful events as outlined in the still-in-use Holmes and Rahe Scale of Life Events (1967).

• death of a spouse
• divorce
• marital separation
• spending time in jail
• death of a close family member
• personal illness or injury
• marriage
• pregnancy
• retirement