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From students to employers -- everyone experiences stress (including bloggers). Stress comes in different forms, whether physical, psychological, or social. Psychological researchers, Holmes and Rahe, produced a list of major stressors. Their list represents the most significant sources of stress in an average person's life. The most stressful event is the death of a spouse/significant other. Other stressors include personal injury, financial struggles, retirement, and moving to a new residence. Physical stressors include noise stress, which some people might experience regularly in certain work conditions or living in dense urban neighborhoods.

While stress is common, we can experience significant health consequences to prolonged stress. Studies have shown that stress weakens our immune system leading us more susceptible to diseases. Stress can also increase our heart rate and blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Chronic stress worsens these conditions. Stress has also been correlated with higher rates of coronary heart disease.

Additionally, stress can motivate individuals to engage in behaviors that are unhealthy. One study showed that individuals are more likely to drink alcoholic beverages and smoke in response to increased stress. Trouble sleeping/lack of sleep is another health consequence of stress.

Our physical and mental well-being is affected by stress. Stressful lifestyles can worsen our health and also lead to unhealthy behaviors. Learning to reduce daily stress is important for our health. Some health professionals consider stress to be America's #1 health problem. The American Institute of Stress lists some ways to help you reduce stress in your life.