With the rapid pace of modern life, stress is a given. Unless you've reached nirvana and left the cares of the world behind, you're bound to get tense from time to time. Some things are universal stressors: ill health, financial problems, and traffic jams when you're already late. However, what bothers a Gemini (everyone else is so slow!) is quite different from what gets to a Virgo who's trying to fix everything, or a Cancer who's struggling to feel safe. What stresses you out the most, and what can you do about it?
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
You count on your dynamic Ram energy to get you through the day, and feel vulnerable when it runs out. Especially when you're down or ill, you feel overwhelmed and stress about all the tasks you can't accomplish. You're used to playing Superman or Superwoman, and forget to take time off and be a lazy slug. Be religious about setting aside at least one full day a week to play or do nothing. Life will continue without you!
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
More than anything else, Taurus, you want to be seen as competent. That's why you take your time to do things right. When a difficult task looms, you fear you won't have enough time to do it properly and might mess it up. As a peacemaker, you also stress when you've hurt someone's feelings or can't resolve a dispute. Fall back on your infallible instincts and trust that your true worth and honesty will ultimately prevail.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
You don't suffer fools gladly, Gemini. When the car in front of you pulls a bone-headed move in traffic, your stress-o-meter hits the roof. And, little things get to you -- like words being mispronounced or misspelled. You're apt to blow a gasket dealing with slow or stubborn people, where you feel like you're talking to a wall. You need regular activities that calm your overactive mind, like yoga or throwing pots in a ceramics class.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
Not feeling safe is a sure ticket to stress for you. The Crab puts up a front that makes you seem tougher than you really are; as a result, others don't realize how deeply you're affected by criticism, angry outbursts or being ignored. You often swallow your feelings -- it's vital to let people know what you need instead of retreating into your shell and nursing a stress-related ulcer. Breathe into your belly: your true security lies there.
Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)
Any situation where you're not in control and don't know what to do is your stress trigger, Leo. A computer breakdown can send you from zero to freak-out in no time flat. Not being able to find something you've lost could also fry your circuits. Even falling in love can fill you with raging hormones and vulnerabilities that turn your kingly or queenly self into an insecure child. Let go and accept what is: you'll be much happier.
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
You count on your dynamic Ram energy to get you through the day, and feel vulnerable when it runs out. Especially when you're down or ill, you feel overwhelmed and stress about all the tasks you can't accomplish. You're used to playing Superman or Superwoman, and forget to take time off and be a lazy slug. Be religious about setting aside at least one full day a week to play or do nothing. Life will continue without you!
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
More than anything else, Taurus, you want to be seen as competent. That's why you take your time to do things right. When a difficult task looms, you fear you won't have enough time to do it properly and might mess it up. As a peacemaker, you also stress when you've hurt someone's feelings or can't resolve a dispute. Fall back on your infallible instincts and trust that your true worth and honesty will ultimately prevail.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
You don't suffer fools gladly, Gemini. When the car in front of you pulls a bone-headed move in traffic, your stress-o-meter hits the roof. And, little things get to you -- like words being mispronounced or misspelled. You're apt to blow a gasket dealing with slow or stubborn people, where you feel like you're talking to a wall. You need regular activities that calm your overactive mind, like yoga or throwing pots in a ceramics class.
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
Not feeling safe is a sure ticket to stress for you. The Crab puts up a front that makes you seem tougher than you really are; as a result, others don't realize how deeply you're affected by criticism, angry outbursts or being ignored. You often swallow your feelings -- it's vital to let people know what you need instead of retreating into your shell and nursing a stress-related ulcer. Breathe into your belly: your true security lies there.
Leo (July 23 to Aug. 22)
Any situation where you're not in control and don't know what to do is your stress trigger, Leo. A computer breakdown can send you from zero to freak-out in no time flat. Not being able to find something you've lost could also fry your circuits. Even falling in love can fill you with raging hormones and vulnerabilities that turn your kingly or queenly self into an insecure child. Let go and accept what is: you'll be much happier.
Virgo (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)
You think too much, Virgo -- which accounts for your greatest stress. Just the thought of attempting something new and unfamiliar can tie you in knots, but once you're actually doing it, you're fine. Making lists will help. You also stress when someone you love is struggling or in pain. Rather than trying to fix things for others, utilize your powerful visualization skills to imagine a positive outcome -- then trust that all is well.
More Stress Triggers by Sign: Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces >>
You think too much, Virgo -- which accounts for your greatest stress. Just the thought of attempting something new and unfamiliar can tie you in knots, but once you're actually doing it, you're fine. Making lists will help. You also stress when someone you love is struggling or in pain. Rather than trying to fix things for others, utilize your powerful visualization skills to imagine a positive outcome -- then trust that all is well.
More Stress Triggers by Sign: Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces >>
