Stress is an inevitable part of life, and at times, it can be overwhelming. It's important to learn how to manage stress but it's equally important to recognise what to avoid when you're feeling overwhelmed. Here are some things to avoid if you're stressed. No. 6 might surprise you:
1. Caffeine
While caffeine can help you feel more alert and focused, it can also exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate and cause you to feel more jittery and anxious. Try to limit your caffeine intake, or switch to decaf coffee or tea instead.
2. Alcohol
While it may seem like a good idea to have a drink to take the edge off, alcohol can actually make stress worse. Alcohol is a depressant that can make you feel more down and anxious. Plus, it can interfere with your sleep, which can leave you feeling even more stressed the next day. Opt for non-alcoholic apoptogenic beverages such as NZ mocktail brand Elta Ego instead.
3. Junk Food
When you're stressed, it's easy to turn to comfort foods like chips, candy, and soda. However, these foods are typically high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can make you feel more sluggish and irritable. Instead, try to stick to a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
4. Negative Self-Talk
It's easy to get caught up in negative thoughts when you're feeling stressed. However, negative self-talk can make stress worse and lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Try to be kind and compassionate to yourself, and focus on positive self-talk instead.
5. Procrastination
When you're stressed, it can be tempting to put off tasks that feel overwhelming or intimidating. However, procrastination can actually make stress worse in the long run. Try to break tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, and tackle them one at a time.
6. Social Media
While social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, it can also be a major source of stress. Scrolling through your social media feeds can lead to feelings of envy, anxiety, and FOMO (fear of missing out). Try to limit your social media use, or take a break from it altogether if it's causing you to feel more stressed.
7. Multitasking
When you're feeling overwhelmed, it can be tempting to try to tackle multiple tasks at once. However, multitasking can actually make stress worse and lead to decreased productivity. Instead, try to focus on one task at a time, and give yourself permission to take breaks when you need them. By focusing on one task at a time, you may find that you're able to complete it more efficiently and with less stress.
Remember, everyone experiences stress differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to take care of yourself and seek help if you need it. Avoiding these common stress triggers can be a good place to start, but don't be afraid to experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and at MyTreat, we're dedicated to providing helpful resources to those struggling with mental health issues. Through our blog, we aim to provide informative articles on various types of mental health problems and ways to overcome them. In addition, we offer monthly self-care subscription boxes designed to help you take care of yourself and prioritise your mental wellbeing and ultimately, destress. These boxes also make an excellent gift for someone who could use a little extra care and support.