Stress is caused when you have expectations and reality falls short creating disappointments. For example, let's say you drove to work today and after work you expect to find your car where you left it this morning. Let's imagine your car is stolen. Will you experience stress? Sure! Because your expectation and reality are out of sync. Let's say, however, you find your car where you left it. There is no stress because expectation and reality match up. A lot of our daily stresses are caused not by these huge disappointments but rather by the little disappointments, things like work piling up and not getting to the things you want to do. When you make up your daily to do list, plan to action steps to address those little things and bring your reality more in line with your expectations. You will get more done and reduce your stress level.