Patrik Svensson/ Oprah | When you have anxiety, you might experience racing thoughts for a number of reasons

What To Do When You Just Can’t Catch A Break? The Cure For Stresslaxing

MotivationNovember 26, 2022

Patrik Svensson/ Oprah | When you have anxiety, you might experience racing thoughts for a number of reasons

Have you ever tried to unwind only to find yourself overwhelmed by stress and negative thoughts? It turns out that many of us experience this, which is why some have coined the term “stresslaxing.”

Chronic stress can cause various mental and physical health issues, ranging from depression to cardiovascular disease. Your doctor may have advised you to “reduce stress,” but relaxing on demand is not always easy.

It’s ironic because people who are stressed may need to do something relaxing to de-stress. This can lead to a destructive, vicious cycle in which they cannot relieve their stress, leading to more negative emotions and panic attacks.

The good news is that there are numerous relaxation techniques available. Even if one does not work for you, you may find that another does. If you’re having trouble relaxing, here are some techniques to try.

Meditate

Erica Wagner/ Life Hack | Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and trigger depression

Sitting with your thoughts may not seem like the best thing to do when you’re feeling overwhelmed and unable to focus, but hear us out.

Meditation can help you become more aware of physical and emotional experiences as they occur, as well as regulate unwanted or difficult emotions.

Go outdoors

Being in and around nature often allows people to think more clearly while also making them feel more relaxed and refreshed. In a greener environment, your brain does not have to work as hard. Children with ADHD were able to concentrate better after 20 minutes in a park, according to one study. Time spent outside can also lower your heart rate, blood pressure, stress hormones, and even muscle tension.

Take a short break

Assume you’re working on something that absolutely must be completed. You’ve put in a lot of time on the project, but it’s important, and you’re worried it won’t turn out as well as you hoped. So you go over your work repeatedly, double-checking and making sure everything is as close to perfect as possible.

ANNA TABAKOVA/ STOCKSY | To put it simply, mental exhaustion can happen when your brain receives too much stimulation or has to maintain an intense level of activity without rest

Even though your concentration is fading as you work, you just cannot stop. You convince yourself that taking a break would impede your progress and decide to push on instead.

Trying to work through a period of brain fog is rarely a good idea, especially if you are concerned about the outcome of your efforts. Taking just 15 minutes away from work can help you reset and return to work more productively.

Listen to a Podcast

If you don’t want to turn on a light or strain your tired eyes, podcasts or audiobooks can be a good substitute for reading.

However, the rules for podcasts and audiobooks are the same as for books. Choose a topic that isn’t too exciting or upsetting (lay off the heated political debates and murder mysteries, for example). If you don’t fall asleep immediately, get out of bed and listen to something else.

Get creative

ANNA TABAKOVA/ STOCKSY | Know what actually relaxes you

Coloring books, knitting, scrapbooking, and pottery provide an escape for a busy mind. Simple, repetitive actions, such as kneading dough, can assist you in redirecting your thoughts and tuning out the chatter in your head. Allow your inner child to run wild! The key is to enjoy the process and not be too concerned with the outcome.