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Attempting to relax can sometimes be counterproductive and lead to more stress.

The Need to Relax

Relaxation is essential for maintaining good health. Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Recognizing the need to relax is an important step toward self-care. However, when the methods to de-stress cause more anxiety, the outcome can be the opposite of what is intended.

What it Means When Trying to Relax Stresses You Out

The phenomenon of becoming more stressed while trying to relax is known as relaxation-induced anxiety. Dr. Michael Schirripa explains that forcing oneself to relax can heighten anxiety, making relaxation difficult. Dr. Deborah Serani adds that people who already struggle with anxiety are more likely to experience this paradoxical effect. This condition can lead to panic attacks and depression if not addressed properly.

Why Relaxation Can Be Challenging

The brain often resists forced relaxation. The amygdala, responsible for detecting threats, can make it hard to calm down. External pressures, such as work and family commitments, blur the lines between work and relaxation. According to Serani, the lack of clear boundaries between work time and leisure time contributes to the difficulty in finding relaxation. Internal dynamics, such as the fear of negative thoughts when idle, also play a role.

Long-Term Consequences

The inability to relax can reset the nervous system to a constantly stimulated state, leading to chronic stress. This condition can manifest as physical symptoms like headaches and fatigue, and psychological issues like depression and anxiety. Dr. Natalie Christine Dattilo stresses the need for intentional relaxation practices to counteract these effects.

Strategies to Help You Relax

To effectively relax, it is important to set boundaries between work and home life. Techniques like muscle relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing can help elicit a relaxation response. Practicing relaxation regularly, rather than viewing it as a passive activity, is crucial for achieving its benefits.