Every single person in the world experiences periods of stress in their life, no matter how ideal or easy their circumstances seem to be from the outside. There are the obvious things that can cause anxiety like work, romance, and finances, but those three categories aren’t the beginning and end of life factors that can put strain a person’s mental health. Here are five hidden sources of stress that could be negatively affecting your life.
1. Social Media
You might see social media as just a fun way to stay in touch with friends and be connected with global trends and news, but the sheer weight of the platforms and information can often end up causing more anxiety than enjoyment. From trolling to negative comparisons between yourself and others, and the simple factor of bad news spreading like wildfire, social media can often be the root of unnecessary stress.
2. The Middle Man
We lead really busy lives, and these lives are often made even more complicated by the increasing about of ‘middle men’ that we have to do through in order to do anything. Try to make time to do more things for yourself, don’t rely on others to do things for you so that you don’t have to worry about being let down.
Snapshot Survey
Snapshot Survey
3. Yes Man
Are you one of those people who find it hard to say no? You might think this is a generous trait to have, and whilst it can be, it can also be very draining when you over commit and try to be all things for all people. Learn how to say no more often, and you will find that a lot of the stress you have been feeling disappears.
4. Perfectionism
If you are a perfectionist, then you might find yourself getting to the point where you are less satisfied by doing something well, but more devastated and anxious when you happen to get something wrong. Where there is a desire to always do everything completely perfectly, there is also a level of shame of disappointment that threatens to get you down.
5. Time Bandits
By time bandits, I’m referring to those friends and family who somehow manage to take up all of your time, not leaving you a single second to work on yourself. It is often linked to being a yes man, and you have to try to find a way to make more time for yourself and less for people who are sapping your energy.