People that are addicted to stress ‘thrive under pressure’. They constantly stay late at work and never take time off. When unwinding, they feel bored or agitated. They constantly feel wired and as though they are trapped in a vicious circle. People with stress addictions distance themselves from others and find that their friends and family complain that they never get to see them. This, in turn, adds to the stress and can cause health issues.
People with stress addictions are often in denial, and the build up of stress can lead to illness and days off work. In spite of this, people with stress addictions often choose not to do anything about it.
Sound like you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Last year stress accounted for 35% of all work related ill health cases and 43% of all working days lost due to ill health.
The first step to overcoming stress is to look at your stressors. Common stressors include..
Impending deadlines- Unpleasant bosses or colleagues
- An inability to make financial payments
- Relationship issues
- Untidy or uncomfortable environments
- Health problems
A good way to start managing your stressors is by identifying the specific triggers. Work may be your main stressor and, whilst you may not be able to change your job, there are changes you can make to minimise stress. This may involve speaking to HR to move you to a new location if you are unhappy with your colleagues, or asking for a new desk chair if yours is uncomfortable.
If you live in an untidy house, adopt a ‘little and often’ mindset whereby you clean your dishes and hang your clothes up regularly instead of letting them build up.
Close open loops. Don’t let things continue to stress you out over the long term. If you have a call to make, make it sooner and ‘close the loop’.
Alongside developing good habits, if you suffer from chronic stress then you will benefit from making lifestyle changes, including the following:
- Going to bed at a reasonable and similar time every day, having 30 minutes to wind down before sleeping
- Exercising and eating healthily improves stress and energy in numerous ways. If you’re struggling for time to go to the gym, why not download a fitness app or DVD?
- Give yourself breaks and holidays occasionally! No one should work 365 days a year!
If you feel like life is getting on top of you, contact Birmingham Counselling Services on 0121 314 9903 or via the Contact page of this website, to see how we can help you deal with stress or any issues.
Edited by Samantha Turner.