We lead super busy lives and despite our efforts, we still find it hard to manage stress, and that’s because there are things that we do that hurt our stress management efforts…
In their article Sabotaging Stress Management, Dazzle Magazine highlights 4 issues that we might not be aware of that hurt our efforts to be stress-free. These issues are backed by top researchers and scientists, and being aware of them is the first step to achieving that coveted stress-free bliss:
1
Location: Where you exercise, meditate, and spend your time plays a huge role in your stress management. This is even more important here in Jeddah where we’re surrounded by buildings and concrete. Scientists at the University of Oregon discovered that being in nature can reduce stress by as much as 60%. So, exercise in nature like in a park or by the beach as much as you can and increase the greenery in your home and gyms. Even if it’s artificial greenery like a green wall, it helps.
2
Planning: Jeddah people love to buy stuff, only to be faced with buyer’s remorse straight after that temporary happiness they get from the purchase. This is because with the world being turned upside down by the pandemic, a lot feel financially strapped. This then makes you think that you could’ve, or should’ve, spent your money elsewhere. The researchers at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business say that you should plan and manage the money, that way you won’t feel guilty when you indulge in a purchase.
3
Regularity: Although more and more people are exercising, many don’t do it regularly or frequently enough. This, in turn, causes a physical reaction that makes it harder for you to exercise and increases your stress levels. Researchers at the University of Leeds found that regular exercise keeps a protein called Piezo1 levels up, making it easier to stick to your fitness routine and do it better. So, exercising regularly and at regular intervals gets easier and is guaranteed to make you fitter, healthier, and happier.
4
Timing: In Jeddah, we love flexibility: flexible work hours, flexible plans, and flexible timing. But, this actually harms us, especially working at all odd hours when it’s supposed to be time off. Research from Cornell University shows that this flexibility reduces work satisfaction and motivation making you more stressed overall. The researchers suggest that managers create weekend shifts, for example, so that workers feel like they’re in it together. Also, opt for working during the day when everyone else is working to feel more satisfied and less stressed.
Read Next: 10 Things To Do in Jeddah This Eid for ideas and links to some fun and relaxing activities.
