Search Here

Stress is an inevitable part of life that can teach the body how to respond and adapt to certain situations. Chronic stress, however, can take a toll on people's physical and mental health. Here are 5 huge mistakes that people make when they are overwhelmed:

1. Venting

When you are stressed, venting to people might feel good at the moment. However, several studies have found that stress is a contagious emotion. By expressing your feelings to everyone and anyone around you, you could end up perpetuating the issue and more people could get stressed. Instead of venting, try hanging out with good friends and do relaxing activities

2. Making speedy choices

You should never make a huge decision when you are very stressed. Stress can affect your views and opinions. According to a study conducted at Harvard University, participants who were stressed made poor long-term decisions because they were too preoccupied at the time.

3. Procrastinating

When you are stressed, the last thing you might want to do is more work. However, if you delay your work, you end up adding more stress for yourself down the line. Procrastination can then encourage your body and mind to believe that you need stress in your life when, in fact, your stress levels can be controlled. Instead of doing an assignment all at once, split them into parts to make them more manageable.

4. Thinking out every detail

After finishing a stressful assignment or task, you might start to think out every single detail. This obsessive focus on work that has already been finished can increase your stress levels even more. Instead of thinking about everything that has already happened, try practicing mindful meditation to relax the mind and the body.

5. Forgetting to sleep

When you are stressed, your mind might not be able to relax. If you leave stress unmanaged, your sleeping schedule can be negatively affected. Once your sleep is disturbed, your cognitive and physical functions become jeopardized as well.

Instead of living with stress everyday, try out different techniques that can help you better manage your stress levels.