Page Two Stress from fatigue and overwork:    This kind of stress builds up over a long period.  Usually, it occurs when:  You try to do too much in too little time.  When you’re not using effective time management strategies.  (For example, you schedule yourself to see two clients at the same time.)  You don’t take time to relax. Where does stress come from? Different parts of your life and your job can cause stress.  It can also be caused by your environment and by what you eat and drink.  Here are some of the major sources of stress: Survival stress:    You experience survival stress when:  Your physical and emotional health is at risk    You are under a lot of pressure  You experience unpleasant challenging events.    This source of stress is controlled by the release of adrenalin.  This hormone gives you a “surge” of energy to help you deal with serious stress.   Adrenalin prepares your body for action. Stress that comes from inside you:    This kind of stress comes from worrying about things beyond your control.  Your personality often affects the way in which you experience stress.  If you are a/an:  “Type A” personality, you thrive on stress...the more, the better!  “Type B” personality, you’re more relaxed and mellow.  “Perfectionist” personality, you have very high standards.  Always trying to be “perfect” can put a lot of stress on you.  “Excessive Self-Worth” personality, you constantly pay attention to other’s needs.  But you become unhappy and stressed because no one looks after your needs.  “Anxious” personality, you’re concerned that things are out of control.  You’re frequently stressed out from worry. Environment and job stress:    Where you live and/or work can cause you stress. The stress comes from:  Crowding or invasion of personal space.  Not enough working or living space.  Noise.  Dirty or untidy conditions.  Pollution.  A badly organized environment.  A run-down environment. Food can also contribute to the stress you experience.  Here are some examples: Caffeine...increases the levels of stress hormones in your body. This means it’s more difficult for you to sleep or you’re more irritable. Bursts of sugar from sweets or chocolate...can make you feel like you have more energy.  However, your body reacts—decreasing the abnormally high sugar level by releasing too much insulin.   This causes a serious decrease in energy.  Without energy, your body has trouble handling stress. Too much salt...increases your blood pressure and puts your body under chemical stress.