subject: Are You Under Too Much Stress? [print this page] Are You Under Too Much Stress? Are You Under Too Much Stress?
Stress is a complicated phenomenon which has conflicting characteristics. On the one hand, it is an absolutely crucial tendency built into us genetically because it often forces us to action. When impending disaster awaits humans rightly become anxious, it is this anxiety which drives us to prepare for the future and worry about the consequences of our actions and decisions.
It is normal to feel a certain amount of stress during reasonably stressful conditions; it can often even bring out the best in us. That being said, stress is a far too common symptom of modern life. If you're stressed out on a daily basis and find it difficult to escape the stress in your life then stress is no longer playing a positive role. Instead, it can be severely detrimental to your happiness and your health. This article explores a few things to consider if stress is playing a large role in your life.
The first thing you should consider when thinking about the role of stress in your life is the extent to which your life feels like a pointless routine. Although routine is undoubtedly an important part of a busy and effective lifestyle, excessive routine causes serious mental problems. If you feel as though your life is going nowhere you need to make some changes because these feelings will often lead to serious depression and other stress related illnesses down the road.
The best cure for routine is very simple: try something new and different. Many people decide to begin some kind of fitness regimen at a local gym. This can often be a life changing experience, not only will you meet new people but being fit in itself feels good and is probably the best thing you can do to help your body cope with the effects of stress. Other possible activities include picking up a new hobby, learning to play an instrument, or going on some kind of adventure holiday.
When finding ways to escape the routine of your daily life you might want to try to opt for activities which involve interacting with other people. Preferring solitude is a common effect that stress has on people, and one which will usually only further exasperate the problem because being alone is often used as a time to focus on what stresses you out. This can cause you to worry excessively. You should therefore use your alone time in such a way as to keep your mind off your worries, this may involve reading, writing, playing games, or solving puzzles.
One last thing to consider is getting a massage. Massage is a proven stress reliever. Not only can this help reduce the amount of physical tension in your body, but it will also allow you to let go of distressing thoughts and worries as you sink into the warm feeling of relaxation.
Whatever it is that is stressing you out, remember that choosing to opt for activities you enjoy or that take your mind of your problems will help you deal with chronic stress. Chronic stress can lead to serious consequences so do take your feelings seriously. If you think that the amount of stress you have cannot be solved simply by a good swim or a trip to the masseuse, then do not hesitate to consult your doctor or alternative health care practitioner for a list of other options.
