For most people, work is a significant and meaningful feature of life with the majority of us spending around 25% of our adult lives working. While work can provide us with structure, purpose, satisfaction, self-esteem, and spending power, the workplace can also be a setting of stress and worry.

Probably the most stressful job nowadays is being a call center agent. Constantly shifting work schedules, demanding policies and procedures, and sales quotas are some of the factors that cause stress to sales, marketing, and customer service front liners. Customer service agents must have "thick" skin and learn how to relieve stress or deal with this type of stress if they are going to be doing this job for a long period of time.

But why do we get stressed out? Feelings of stress are caused by the body's instinct to defend itself. This instinct is good in emergencies, such as getting out of the way of a speeding car. But stress can cause physical symptoms if it goes on for too long, such as having a negative response to life's daily challenges and changes. When this happens, it's as if your body is getting ready to jump out of the way of the car, but somehow, you're remain standing still. Your body is working overtime, with no place to put all the extra energy. This can make you feel anxious, afraid, worried, and uptight.

Stress is a psychological and physiological response to events that upset our personal balance in some way. These events or demands are known as stressors. We usually think of stressors as being negative, like having a highly demanding task or being in a troubled relationship. Almost anything that introduces major changes in life that forces us to adjust can be a stressor. This includes positive events such as getting married or receiving a promotion. Regardless of whether an event is good or bad, if the changes it brings cause a strain on our physical, emotional, and mental state --- that even is a stressor. For that reason, our coping skills and adaptive resources must be always sharp and sufficient so that we can deal with stress.

Any sort of change can make you feel stressed, even situations that would normally be seen as "good." It's not just the change or event itself, but also how you react to it that matters. What's stressful is different for each person. One person may feel stressed by retiring from work, while someone else may not.

Other things that may be stressful include being laid off from your job, your child leaving or returning home, the death of your spouse, divorce or marriage, an illness, an injury, a job promotion, money problems, moving, or having a baby.

Stressors can be divided into three broad categories such as frustrations, conflicts and pressures. Frustrations are obstacles that prevent you from meeting your needs or achieving personal goals. They can be external such as discrimination, an unsatisfying job, divorce, or the death of a loved one. Examples of internal frustrations include physical handicaps, the lack of a desired ability or trait, and other real or perceived personal limitations.

Conflicts are stressors involving two or more incompatible needs or goals are known as conflicts. Sometimes the conflict involves a choice between two desirable options, such as deciding between two acceptance offers from equally appealing companies. At other times, the decision involves disagreeable alternatives. Stress can stem from the expectations of others or the demands you place on yourself. You may feel pressure to excel at work, make a difference in your community, or be the perfect mother.

Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways. The specific signs and symptoms of stress vary from person to person, but all have the potential to harm your health, emotional well-being, and relationships with others. Exercise is a good way to deal with stress because it's a healthy way to relieve your pent-up energy and tension. It also helps you get in better shape, which makes you feel better overall.

Life can be stressful. We all face different challenges and obstacles, and sometimes the pressure is hard to handle. When we feel overwhelmed, under the gun, or unsure of how to meet the demands placed on us, we experience stress. In small doses, stress can be a good thing. It can give you the push you need, motivating you to do your best and to stay focused and alert.