recognising stress
triggers and causes

recognising stress
triggers and causes

are you feeling stressed or noticing that your health has taken a hit?

Maybe you can pinpoint the obvious culprits – tight deadlines, money worries or juggling too many responsibilities.

But stress can also creep in from unexpected places. Recognising your triggers is the first step towards managing stress effectively. Let’s explore how to identify what’s causing stress in your life, and what you can do about it.

common stress triggers

work-related triggers

Work can be a major source of stress for accountants.

Some of the biggest culprits include:

  • Tight deadlines and heavy workloads
  • Long working hours, especially during peak periods
  • High-pressure client interactions
  • Complex regulatory changes
  • Relationships with your manager or colleagues

personal life triggers

Personal factors can weigh just as heavily as work, if not more.

These might include:

  • Financial pressures
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Major life changes (moving house, getting married, starting a family)
  • Personal or family health concerns

Are you regularly faced with any of these challenges?

how to recognise your triggers

Recognising the signs of stress in your body is important, but identifying what’s causing it can help you take control and, where possible, avoid unnecessary stress.

To pinpoint your stress triggers: · Track your reactions – keep a journal or make a mental note of when you feel stressed. What happened just before? Where were you? Who were you with?

  • Look for patterns – over time, you might notice certain situations, people or tasks repeatedly causing stress
  • Pay attention to physical signs – headaches, tense muscles or difficulty sleeping can all indicate stress creeping in
  • Assess your thoughts and emotions – notice when negative thinking, overwhelm or frustration spikes – these can signal hidden stressors
  • Consider external factors – lifestyle habits, workload, financial pressures or even lack of sleep can be underlying causes
  • Check in with yourself regularly – a quick self-check during the day can help you catch stress before it escalates

the next step: managing stress triggers

When you can recognise your triggers, you can be proactive:

open communication

Create a safe space to talk about stress with colleagues, friends or family.

healthy coping mechanisms

Embrace healthy habits, whether it’s exercise, creative activities or simply taking a break.

regular check-ins

Self-assessments or team check-ins can help catch stress before it becomes overwhelming.

know when to seek professional support

If you’re continually feeling stressed, professional guidance can help. Talking to a GP, therapist, workplace mental health support or getting in touch with caba to utilise the support available can make a real difference.

practise breathing technique

Simple breathing exercises can help you reset in moments of stress. One method, box breathing, involves inhaling through your nose for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, and exhaling through your mouth for 4 seconds. This can help you calm both your body and mind.

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