
When we are overwhelmed with stress, the smallest thing that happens to us makes us feel bad and sluggish. Some very common behaviors or activities, such as looking at the clock or watching TV, can actually make the anxiety state worse. "I do things that make my stress worse and that are very natural for anyone," Niro Feliciano, a psychotherapist, tells HuffPost.
But what are these things that should be avoided for stress relief, although they are apparently very normal.
#1 Watching TV or shopping
These types of activities are often a form of emotional avoidance, which can lead to more stress. Television with extended hours, Netflix that keeps you "stuck" in front of electronic devices, popcorn or chips, but also shopping in markets are emotions that need to be processed. For stress management, experts say you should create a routine that includes movement, adequate sleep, meditation, hydration and therapy.
#2 Stopping yourself from thinking about 'bad' things
Teaching yourself not to overcontrol your thoughts not only relieves stress, but can also help calm anxiety and panic disorders and stabilize mental health.
#3 Asking too many people for their opinions
Taking advice from other people can distract you from what you really feel. It takes a lot of discipline to be still, but also a lot of wisdom to be still with your thoughts and yourself. The opinions of others can often damage or repair work.
#4 Listening to light music
Calm musical rhythms help many people to relax, especially when used in meditation or sessions dedicated to mental health. Calm music means a romantic, light song that makes the brain relax. But often this type of music with slow rhythms turns you off physically and makes you feel more sluggish than usual.
#5 Saying 'Yes' to extra tasks
When we begin to say "yes" to things for which we have neither time nor desire, then not completing these tasks leads to feelings of dissatisfaction. This can increase stress levels and cause more anxiety, panic and depressive symptoms.
#6 Ignoring stress
Avoidance doesn't work in any situation, it just makes things more difficult. Pretending that stress or anxiety isn't there doesn't lead to solutions, but to making them worse. Exercise, a healthy diet or rest are just some of the things you can do to relax the state of anxiety.
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