Sources of Stress

Even when you know you are feeling worried, it may often be challenging to recognize the exact sources of stress that are affecting your. Considering some specific details of your life, and the extend to which they cause you to worry, will help you understand yourself and your personal needs.

With that in mind, let's take a look at some things that might be causing you stress. Below is a list of items that some people may find stressful. Have a look at each one and select how stressful you would find them.

Not Right or Wrong - Just Personal

Of course, there's no right or wrong way to do this, because it is a way to start becoming aware of your own mental resources and your own personal resilience when it comes to stress and worry.

Speaking in front of a crowd
Travelling somewhere you've never been before
Having a tight budget, or being in debt
Thinking about tasks you still have to do
Being rushed
Feeling guilty that you have or haven't done what was expected
Feeling unsure about how a situation will turn out
Worries that you're being judged
Thinking about tasks you haven't done yet
Thoughts about random events like accidents or illnesses happening to you
Thoughts about global warming, pollution or endangered animals
Feelings about a family member's safety
Doing new things
Regretting things that have already been done
Worries about your health or the health of someone you love
Worrying that something bad will happen
Worries about whether you'll be good enough for a role you've been given
Stress about exam and school performance
Stressing about things being clean and orderly
Feeling unprepared for a task
Vague worries that you aren't living the life you should be
Feelings that romantic partners don't return your affections
Worries about being so much more worried than everyone else
Worries about nothing in particular!

If you have them, add some worries of your own as well.

Include Someone Else

If you have someone nearby who's willing, ask them to go through the same list and compare – are there any surprising patterns?

Specific or General?

Are you worried about one, two things or just life in general? If you've noticed anything noteworthy, put it down now in your journal. You might also like to note whether your worry seems to "float" and be about everything and nothing at all.