In our fast paced world, there are many common triggers that could affect our day. The truth is, stress is usually internal--it is the reaction we bring to the situation that causes stress, not the situation itself. Some common drivers include:

There are many others that may affect your well-being, but identifying which one(s) are affecting you the most could be a good start. For instance, since caffeine revs up the sympathetic ("fight or flight") nervous system, make sure you monitor caffeine intake throughout the day. Loud "irritating" sounds obviously may cause mental distress, so set aside some time for quietness; and news events can cause anxiety and worry, so tune into news selectively and consciously. Also, if you can't avoid the company of people with agitated minds, make sure you've done some meditation, or other activity that helps you focus and keep calm.

As always, consult your health or medical professional for any questions.