Where To Buy
Where To Buy

Feeling stressed?

Your guide to the types, causes, and management of stress

It may not come as a surprise, but the UK is stressed out! As many as 74% of UK adults reported that they had felt overwhelmed or unable to cope because of stress.1 But stress doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. Stress can improve performance and motivate us to act quickly. Learning how to cope with stress effectively is key.

Read on to discover what stress is, its causes and symptoms, and how you can manage your own stress levels in a way that works for you.

On this page

What is stress?

We’ve all experienced stress before. But what is it? Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It’s a physiological and psychological response to demanding or threatening situations.

It can show itself as both physical symptoms – eg, increased heart rate and muscle tension – and emotional symptoms – such as anxiety and irritability. Generally speaking, low levels of stress can be motivating, giving us more energy and increased focus. But excessive or prolonged stress can have negative effects on both our mental and physical wellbeing. But this still seems vague – so what exactly are the different types of stress?

Types of stress

Hover the images below to discover types of stress:
Tap the images below to discover types of stress:

Acute Stress

This stress is short-term and arises from immediate pressure or demands. It is often linked to specific events or situations, such as public speaking or a deadline. Once the situation passes, the stress passes too.

Chronic Stress

This stress is long-term and persists over an extended period. It can result from ongoing issues like work-related pressures, financial difficulties, or relationship problems. Chronic stress may lead to serious health problems if unmanaged.

Episodic Stress

This type of stress is characterized by experiencing acute stress frequently. Individuals who often find themselves overwhelmed by various stressors – such as work deadlines and personal worries – may suffer from episodic acute stress.

Causes of stress

Stress can be caused by a number of external factors, and it’s often a combination of the following that causes stress.

Social Stress

Social stresses depend on one’s perception of how other people judge them. This may relate to body image, feelings of acceptance within a social group, or the appearance of success in work or at school. Social media and other digital channels can amplify these issues.

Housing Stress

In the UK, stress related to housing is of particular concern to younger people, it’s suggested that one in three millennials will still be renting when they claim their pensions. In addition to the financial stresses of renting and not owning your own home, tenant rights and the conditions of tended housing can also be huge stressors for people of all ages.

Work Stress

Work stress is among the most commonly cited causes of stress in adults, often acting as the foundation, upon which other stresses combine.

Economic Stress

22% of people point to debt as a stress factor in their lives. However, money plays a much larger role in stress than debt alone, and money worries can come from a variety of sources including budgeting and financial planning, as well as peer pressure from and unhealthy comparisons with friends and family.

Study Stress

Study stress is often caused by looming deadlines or exams, and can be particularly prevalent among students during certain times of the year. Other stressors include social pressures, unhealthy lifestyles, and feelings of underachieving.

These common causes of stress do not necessarily account for the reasons why individuals may feel stressed alone. There are other factors to consider when trying to understand why you or someone else may feel stressed in a situation that another person deals with perfectly well. 


Factors such as personal perception, past experience, individual circumstances, and coping abilities all play an important role in how one reacts to stress. Additionally, cumulative stress – where minor stresses create an overall feeling of being overwhelmed – are of particular concern to individuals who struggle to cope.

Tips on managing stress

Click the images below to discover more:
Tap the images below to discover more:

IDENTIFY TRIGGERS

Identify Triggers

Recognise the specific causes of stress in your life and address them. Awareness of triggers can help you to develop targeted strategies to effectively manage your stress and understand the root causes.

RELAXATION

Relaxation

Engage in activities such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or mindfulness. These techniques can promote relaxation, reduce physical and mental tension, and enhance overall wellbeing.

SELF-CARE

Self-care

Make time for activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Engage in hobbies, practice self-compassion, and set boundaries to protect your mental and emotional wellbeing.

LIFESTYLE

Lifestyle

Take care of your physical health by eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. A healthy body is better equipped to handle stress, while ill health can be a major cause for stress.

Time Management

Time Management

Organise your time, set realistic goals, and prioritise tasks—both at work and at home. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to improve time management, increase productivity and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

More help and support for stress

NHS advice and support
If stress is affecting your daily life, contact NHS 111 or talk to a GP.

If you live in England, you can refer yourself for free NHS talking therapies without seeing a GP.

– NHS advice about stress
– NHS self-help guide: stress
Charities, helplines and communities
These organisations offer help and support:

– Samaritans has a 24-hour help line, open every day of the year
– Mind also has personal stories on its website
– Mental Health Foundation: Stress
– Stress Management Society