For some people, a day does not start if there is no familiar aroma of a hot coffee in their apartment or workplace. But, according to a sociological study on people aged from 20 to 45, it is one of those habits that may indicate the presence of stress.
Thus, the more triggers, the more varied the harm we inflict on our bodies. In this article, we will tell you about ten bad habits that may lead to stress and how you can avoid them.
1. Drinking Caffeine In Excess Quantity
In general, coffee is harmless and enjoyable, but caffeine itself has a lasting effect on the body. The average elimination period is 5 to 6 hours. It impairs the ability to absorb adenosine, a chemical that soothes the body and improves alertness. Subsequently, it causes sleep problems, increases the levels of adrenaline and dopamine. As a result, a person starts to feel anxious for no reason.
Solution
Limit caffeinated drinks after 2 pm. You can have a cup in the morning with breakfast and avoid it rest of the day.
2. Impulsive Spending
Are you using stress as an excuse for shopping? – Make it two! Because unnecessary spending can lead to financial problems, which, as you know, do not cheer you up. But it will lead to aggravating anxiety and stress.
Solution
Stop being frivolous about money. Don't waste time shopping. If you need to change the usual schedule of the day, do something exciting that can relax you, such as watching a movie or social networks.
3. Drinking Alcohol
If you keep drinking wine for a long time excessively, it will knock down the normal settings of the brain, literally changing its chemistry. Large amounts of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone begin to be released.
When this hormonal balance shifts, it affects the body's resistance to stress. Those who drink alcohol for a long time may have a high level of anxiety, so you need to be cautious if you are an addict.
Solution
Limit alcohol consumption to one drink a day. And if you are addicted, then the best option is to get a safe alcohol detox from a good rehab center.
4. Over- And Undernourishment
One in four Americans turns to food to relieve stress, and one person dies from an eating disorder in the world every 62 minutes. Unfortunately, this is the reason obesity is growing in the United States.
The problem is expressed in two different ways: craving for carbohydrates and sugar or a complete loss of appetite. While sugar can temporarily boost your mood, glucose levels still start to drop after two hours. Poor diet leads to poor health, weight gain, malnutrition, and chronic fatigue.
Solution
Maintain a stable blood sugar level by eating a balanced breakfast, lunch, and dinner with healthy snacks in between, such as nuts or veggies.
5. Relying On Drugs
Painkillers, sleeping pills, and muscle relaxants are like a plaster on a huge wound. It will slow down the blood loss, but you really need stitches. This means that medication can help, but if your problems are chronic, then this is simply masking the symptoms, not eliminating the cause.
Solution
Your headaches may be due to lack of sleep, and you should see a doctor. If you have trouble sleeping and your muscles are too tense, try a good workout or massage.
6. Smoking
According to the WHO, 5,000,000 people die annually from smoking-related diseases. This bad habit blocks concentration of attention. The progressive blockage of arteries and veins with toxic substances leads to oxygen starvation of the brain. Just like caffeine, nicotine interferes with relaxation because it is an aphrodisiac.
Solution
Quitting smoking is difficult, so if you feel that you can't handle it, ask your friends or family for help. Share your feelings and problems with them. It is also useful to talk to someone who has also quit smoking.
7. Lack Of Sleep
According to a study by the Case Western Research University in Cleveland, adults in developed countries are chronically sleep-deprived. As a result, cognitive function and immunity deteriorate, productivity decreases, and motivation is lost. The idea of ​​staying up all night to finish your work can do you no good.
Solution
Turn off notifications on your phone; prepare a comfortable place to sleep. You can use masks or comfy pajamas to sleep in comfort.
8. Over Working
If you think you can handle stress by working even harder than you do now, remember that overworked people make mistakes more often. Besides, such people are more tensed and stressed than other people, so give up this thought.
Solution
Work better, not longer. Take breaks, walk outside, and get back to work so that you can be as productive as possible.
9. Isolating Oneself
When you're stressed, you want to stay in bed for a few days. While this escapism is very gratifying, prolonged isolation can be a sign of impending depression. It will further aggravate the stress, making it dangerous.
Solution
Ask friends or family to help you relax. If you do not want to be around people, take your dog for a walk.
10. Running From Problems
Sometimes we feel that the problem is so big that it's easier to push it into a far corner and never think about it again. But this is not the solution. You will have to face it later at some point; better face it now.
Solution
Think about how many days you can postpone the problem without consequences and return to it by that time. Stop convincing yourself that stress will go away if you ignore it.
Take Away
You should deal with stress in a healthy manner, or it will become deadly. Avoid the habits mentioned above as they do not decrease, but further increase the stress. Try meditation, exercise, or a day out with friends to cope with stress.