Addicted to Stress? Here’s What to Do

Lisa Franchi August 21, 2014

We all have our fair share of stress. It is a biological process that evolved to protect us from potential danger. Back in the days, our ancestors were very much vulnerable to danger such as being eaten alive by beasts and wild animals. So in response, their body releases high levels of stress hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, to give them extra energy for physically demanding activities.

But in the modern times, we don’t need too much of these cortisol and adrenaline. We need not be alert day and night to watch out for some beasts. High levels of these stress hormones for a prolonged period of time can result to poor health. We’re talking about a weak body that is very vulnerable to chronic illnesses, including diabetes, dementia, heart disease and cancer.

If you’re like most people, you probably complain of stress every now and then due too many responsibilities at work and at home that you rarely have time for fun and relaxation. If you are always feeling guilty about taking a break, spend 7 days a week working, and always having issues with sleep and mood, or if you define ‘busyness’ as ‘of great importance’ that you hate relaxing (because you feel you’re not being productive), chances are you are addicted to stress.

Breaking Stress Addiction

If you don’t do something to alleviate your stress, you are bound to face serious health problems, maybe not yet today, but soon. The good news is that you can break the cycle of chronic stress in your life by making conscientious effort to relax. You will realise that when your body gets enough rest, you become more productive, smart and ready to seize the day with zeal and energy.

Take the following tips to fight chronic stress:

Just let yourself be.

Give yourself a few minutes every day to just do nothing but focus your attention to your breathing, to your body and to your surroundings. Practising mindfulness meditation is a scientifically proven way to de-stress. It has calming and anxiety-reducing effects that can really replenish your tired mind and body.

Disconnect.

If you’re always online, you are exposing yourself to high doses of stress. It is important that you also give yourself time to unplug, especially during your rest day. Your phone or laptop can be a major source of stress. When not at work, refrain from checking emails. Instead, you can do something fun outdoors. Interacting with nature can significantly improve your well-being.

Work out.

If stress is sapping all your energy that you find it hard to get up from bed in the morning or sleep easily at night, maybe it’s time that you go back to the gym again, or start with a routine physical activity like jogging or running. Regular exercise makes your brain release endorphins – hormones that can fight the effect of adrenaline and cortisol. As a result, you feel better, more energetic and less tired.

Take care of yourself.

Put yourself on top of your ‘to-do’ list. Every day, try to do something that gives you pure fun and relaxation. Indulge in something that really makes you happy and makes you forget about your work and other responsibilities. Some people find joy in baking while others in painting, gardening, playing with pets, etc. Find your passion. It makes you happy.

Try natural therapies.

There are many treatments that can naturally boost your body’s ability to fight stress. These include acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, Reiki, yoga, and hypnotherapy. If you are dealing with life issues that are making you stressed, it can be a good idea to see a counsellor. He or she can guide you in overcoming mental and emotional problems that add to your stress levels.