Is how you relax making you more stressed?

We have busy jobs and busy lives. It’s become normal to fill every moment of the day with input of some kind - whether that’s scrolling on your phone, watching tv, listening to podcasts. Our way of spending time has dramatically changed over recent years with constant access to information. It’s too easy to reach for our phones any time of day and to let the next episode auto-play on Netflix. Multi-tasking and always doing are seen as positive things - but is there a better way?

I’m not suggesting you stop anything that brings you genuine joy. But if you (like most of us) have got into mindless habits that are seen as productive or relaxing but are really not, then hopefully this blog will help.

If you’re busy or stressed at work and then in your leisure time you’re still ‘on’ then you’re more likely to be in the stress response more often. Our brains need a clear sign that the stress has passed. If you’re spending your downtime with constant input then you’re not giving your mind and body that clear sign.

Symptoms of this might be: feeling tired and wired, needing alcohol or drugs to relax, not being able to sit still, distrubed sleep, irritable mood, hard to focus, back pain and palpitations.

Does this sound like you? Recognising this is the first step to changing it. It might only take some small habit changes to make a big difference. Often we try to fix the symptoms instead of looking at the root cause behind them. What could you do to create more balance in your life?

Focus on one habit to swap - what would you choose? Not taking your phone into the toilet, a walk around the block on your break or some relaxing breaths while you boil the kettle. The simpler the better you’ll stick to it.

There are lots of relaxation techniques here on My Wellness Hub you can try - meditation and breathing techniques. And there is always the opportunity to chat through strategies with your Coaches Victoria and Siân - find a time to suit you here.

More info

Interesting article in the Guardian this week.

Atomic Habits by James Clear