Are You Addicted To Stress?
Stress has become an all-too-familiar companion, weaving its way into the fabric of our daily lives. For many, stress isn’t just an occasional inconvenience—it’s a consistent companion and one to which we become unknowingly addicted.
Any stress – real or perceived – engages the body’s stress response, releasing a chemical injection of norepinephrine, adrenaline, and cortisol into the bloodstream. This sends our nervous system into “fight, flight, or freeze.” It also releases dopamine, the “feel good” chemical into our brain, encouraging us to repeat the stressful behaviors that lead to more hits of dopamine.
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “S/he thrives under pressure,” this is why. The rush of adrenaline, the feeling of being constantly on edge, becomes a familiar state that is oddly comforting. This can be as small as constant notifications from your social media accounts to something as big as a high pressure, overly demanding job, always being in conflict, or being stuck in a highly toxic relationship.
We often don’t even realize we are in a state of chronic stress because it just seems normal and is just life as usual. Being still or resting is generally uncomfortable because we feel the need to keep going, to keep driving, to keep getting those adrenaline and dopamine hits. This is because the body is in persistent fight or flight. We feel bored, restless, or in need of distraction when we’re not constantly stimulated.
This, in turn, raises our stress threshold so that we need more and more stress to feel like ourselves. We can never return to baseline and let our nervous system rest because we don’t know how. We become tired and wired at the same time. And, it’s exhausting.
How do you know if you are addicted to stress?
Addiction to stress can take many forms, but here are some common signs:
- Persistent fatigue and exhaustion, but you can’t rest
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
- Irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Digestive issues like stomach pain or nausea
- Muscle tension and body aches
- Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illnesses
- Chronic patterns of high level conflict in relationships
- Never being able to sit still (always going)
- Over scheduling yourself
- Finding yourself in ‘drama’ regularly
- Lack of boundaries
What can you do about it?
Escaping the cycle of stress addiction requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes while implementing healthy coping mechanisms. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Self-awareness: The first step towards breaking free from stress addiction is recognizing the patterns and behaviors that keep you trapped. Take inventory of your stress triggers, as well as the physical and emotional signs that indicate when stress has become persistent and overwhelming. You can’t change anything if you don’t recognize that something needs to change.
2. Prayer, Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like prayer, mindfulness, and meditation can help cultivate awareness of the present moment and provide a much-needed respite from the relentless chatter of the mind. By learning to observe your thoughts without judgment, you can begin to untangle yourself from the grip of stress addiction.
3. Stress Management Techniques: Explore various stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga. These practices can help activate the body’s relaxation response, counteracting the physiological effects of chronic stress.
4. Setting Boundaries: Learn to say no to excessive demands on your time and energy. Establish clear boundaries in both your personal and professional life, prioritizing self-care and well-being.
5. Seeking Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, a health coach or a mental health professional. Breaking free from stress addiction is a journey, and having a strong support network can provide invaluable encouragement and guidance along the way.
6. Cultivating Balance: Lastly, prioritize activities that bring joy, relaxation, and fulfillment into your life. Whether it’s spending time in nature, pursuing a hobby, or connecting with loved ones, make time for activities that nourish your soul and replenish your spirit.
The cycle of stress addiction is a formidable adversary, but it is not insurmountable. As a recovering stress addict, I encourage you to truly prioritize your well-being. No one else will do it for you.
By fostering self-awareness, implementing healthy coping strategies, and prioritizing self-care, it is possible to break free from the chains of chronic tension and reclaim a sense of peace and balance in our lives. Remember, true strength lies not in enduring endless stress, but in having the courage to cultivate a life filled with meaning, joy, and well-being.
