We're familiar with many of the things we should do when we're stressed but there are also some things we should avoid doing when we're super stressed. We all have times in our lives when the stress takes over our lives and we can't see the light at the end of that dark tunnel. In order to ensure that the stress doesn't become unmanageable, here are some of the things to avoid doing.
Although having an alcoholic drink at the end of a super stressful week can relieve the tension, it can lead to binge drinking and because alcohol is a depressant, you will feel worse if you overindulge. If you need to have a drink then enjoy but don't let this turn into a habit that you desperately need in order to get through life.
Picking a fight with your significant other or member of the family is also something you should avoid. They're not there to be our punch-bags. We're all guilty of snapping at the ones we love the most but don't we feel miserable for it afterwards? Try to smile and forget your troubles when you meet your friends and family. Letting off some steam is healthy but not if it stresses them out too!
So, you have a paper that you need to complete for tomorrow or a project for work that needs to be done but you can't sleep because sleep is for wimps. Actually, sleep is very important and lack of sleep is going to make you feel worse. Rather than having a series of late nights, try getting to bed early and recharging your batteries so that you can find time during the day to tackle that assignment.
If you're uber stressed after a hard day, you might be tempted to retreat into the chocolate box. Unfortunately, the answers to our woes don't lie at the bottom of it. Believe me, I've looked. Overeating can make you feel worse so this is something to avoid too. Instead, try stress relieving foods such as avocados, berries and cashews.
It might be tempting to indulge in a little retail therapy and no one is saying that you can't treat yourself to that delicious something you just know will make you feel so much better after your boss has screamed at you for the fiftieth time this week. The problem is, it might momentarily ease the strain but receiving your credit card statement will make you feel so much worse. Try natural highs like a little exercise or catching up with an old friend.
Drugs and alcohol are not going to ease the stresses and strains of life in the long term. They may even exacerbate the problem. Try mindful meditation or Yoga as a natural form of therapy instead of hitting the bottles.
It is tempting to skip that work out when you're uber stressed but the truth is, you need it. Whether you have a date with a friend at the gym or a date with your personal trainer, don't cancel it.
It can be tempting to clam up when the going gets tough and if you feel as though you just can't be around people and you need some you time then that's ok. It's important that you don't isolate yourself though and it's vital to speak to people about the stress you're feeling. That way, you can get the help and support you need from the people around you.
Caffein is also something you shouldn't overindulge in as it can exacerbate the stress. You might be tired and feel the need to power-through but this is only going to make you feel worse. Try to limit yourself to one or two cups of coffee in the morning and not past lunch time. In the afternoon, enjoy a cup of energising peppermint or calming chamomile.
These are some of the main things you should avoid doing when you're super stressed. What else would you advise avoiding?