Defining Stress laxing
The term “stresslaxing” refers to the phenomena where relaxation leads to anxiety or stress. It means stressing out about relaxing. Not engaging in any productive tasks or activities might elevate the state of worry and have a reverse effect on health.
People might become more anxious when forced to relax and worry more thinking about how well or efficiently they are able to relax. This is a situation where de-stressing adds more stress to life. This is a completely opposite effect that leads to anxiety and worry.
Stresslaxing as defined by Urban Dictionary
According to the urban dictionary stresslaxing signifies the state of “being so stressed that relaxing makes the person more stressed for not focusing on the crucial factors that is leading to stress.”
It describes an inner conflict and a vicious cycle where relaxation elevates feelings of stress. It also leads to a situation where the relaxing activities or no activities makes you feel more stressed. Studies mention that for some people, relaxation might worsen the feelings of insecurities and fears. People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder experience extreme emotional shifts while practising relaxation techniques. Thus, people who have anxiety disorders are more prone to experience relaxation induced anxiety.
Exploring the signs of Stresslaxing
- Denial of stress– Denial acts as one of the triggering factors to stresslaxing. It is a defence mechanism that people use when faced with uncomfortable emotions and feelings. In the case of stresslaxing, individuals might force themselves to relax, thereby amplifying their stress levels.
- High self-expectations– In a society which demands productivity and achievement, pursuing relaxation techniques might seem strange and unacceptable. As a result, moments of relaxation might lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Pressure from society– The constant pressure from the society to be productive also contribute to stresslaxing. The pressure to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques in order to feel calm and peacefulness might create a conflictual experience. Because relaxation might be perceived as another task leading to the cycle of stresslaxing.
- Information overload– Too much information can impact decision making. It can cause stress and irritation when faced with an abundance of choices related to relaxing activity. The mental effort exerted while analysing and evaluating the options, calculating the merits and demerits of every decision can disrupt the intended relaxation causing stresslaxing.
How to cure Stresslaxing: Techniques to overcome the challenges
Overcoming stresslaxing involves identifying the triggering factors, addressing stress, managing societal pressures and simplifying decision making.
- The first step in overcoming stresslaxing is identifying what triggers stress and anxiety. The intensity of the factors is different for different people. Therefore, based on the subjective experience identifying the most triggering factor which leads to stresslaxing and working on it is a way that helps to deal with it.
- The second step in dealing with stresslaxing is addressing the stress. The stress symptoms need to be recognized as signals and the feelings and emotions should be identified. Writing down the thoughts and feels gives clarity and can provide relevant insights.
- The third step is dealing with high self-expectations which involves setting realistic expectations and understanding the nature of these expectations in order to demand less from oneself. Realizing that it is not possible to be productive every time and allowing oneself to take breaks without feeling guilty is an important aspect in overcoming unrealistic expectations.
- The fourth step is understanding the pressures that come from the society and addressing them. Addressing requires setting personal boundaries and developing resiliency. It is important to prioritize self-care and practice relaxation techniques without becoming a victim of the societal pressure.
- The fifth step is effective decision making by limiting the options. Preparing a routine which involves relaxation techniques and sticking to the routine helps to follow the relaxation methods without guilt. This reduces the detail analysis of the options and minimizes the confusion related to decision making.
The positive side to Stresslaxing: Embracing Relaxation
The feelings related to relaxation is different for different people. What works for one person might not work for the other person. Therefore, recognizing the techniques which aligns with the preferences and lifestyle is always beneficial. The acceptance and willingness to perform the activities can lead to improved stress management and personal growth. It also provides you an insight about the triggers and coping mechanisms.
Stresslaxing is perceived as a challenge by a lot of people suffering from anxiety disorders. Stress and anxiety related to work, deadlines, productivity is very common in today’s society but the biggest challenge is when the relaxation techniques which are meant to balance the intensity and severity acts as triggers. With proper understanding, awareness and learning about the positive effects of stresslaxing can help a person to break the cycle and enjoy the benefits of stresslaxing. It is significant to understand that relaxation is a necessity for properly balancing the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Studies suggest that exercise is one of the best stress relieving activities because exercise reduces the stress hormone in the body and stimulates the production of endorphin which are mood elevators and body’s natural pain killers. Endorphins are also responsible for feeling relaxed and optimistic. Exercising and doing other activities provides an opportunity to enjoy solitude and if performed in groups enhances social connections and expand networks.
How can we help?
As you go through the turmoil in life and the daily stress gets to you, remember that it is okay to seek help. With growing levels of anxiety and mental health challenges, it is important to also take time to relax. You need to break the cycle of stresslaxing and separate stress and relaxing from each other as they both serve very different purposes.
At North America Behavioral Health Services, we equip you with tools that help you improve your quality of life and take on the challenges in life without any stress.
