7 surprising stress mistakes you might be making

When it comes to stress, you might have become your own worst enemy. Sure, external factors are major contributors to anxiety but what about when it seemingly comes out of nowhere? Or when that situation you’ve been mulling over just seems to worsen?

As it turns out, your habits can affect how you feel just as much as the main situation that is stressing you. And what you think is actually helping your worries might actually be making them worse. Compiled from The Huffington Post, here are seven ways your behaviour may be sabotaging your stress levels.

1) You avoid what’s bothering you



As tempting as it is to ditch the source of your stress, it’s not going to work. In fact, according to experts, this is actually counterintuitive. “Avoiding makes it like it isn’t happening and the more you avoid it the worse it gets. The more you deal with things that stress you out, the more mastery you have over them,” David Spiegel, associate chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University, said.

2) You stayed up past your bed time

Sure, hitting the hay at 1am doesn’t seem like a bad idea but your emotions might beg to differ. Stress and lack of sleep may as well be partners in crime. You’re more likely to be irritable and ponder over your worries without proper rest.

3) You gave into your inner couch potato



Want to blow off some steam? We suggest you hit the pavement as exercise reduces stress. Even just a short walk makes a difference. Whatever you do, don’t stick to the couch. Studies also suggest that a sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on mental wellbeing.

4) You vented to your friends

Going on a rant may actually do more harm than good. Research shows that stress can be contagious, so soon enough your friend and you will be feeding off each other’s negative emotions.

5) You scrolled through social media



It’s nearly impossible to check Facebook or Instagram without seeing a fairytale engagement, a pregnancy announcement or photos from someone’s amazing vacation – or all three! If social media leaves you feeling a little more high-strung than before, science may have an explanation as to why. Research shows that it can lead one to social comparison or measuring their life against other people, which ultimately messes with their mental well-being.

6) You hit the mall

Retail therapy may feel like the perfect solution to an overwhelming day but it may only exacerbate how you’re feeling. According to a small 2013 study, materialism seemed to intensify the effects of stress.

7) You made an impulsive decision

It is all but natural to act on your stress but some choices are better left for a clear mind. Research shows that people with high levels of stress are worse at making good long-term decisions.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2016.

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