Is Your Brain Addicted to Stress? – If you’ve been feeling burnout from overworking or non-stop daily stressors with no end in sight, it could be because your brain is addicted to the stress response! How can we fix that? We’ve got the answers right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
May is Mental Health Awareness month and we’re here to help you get your head in a better space!
Does any of this sound like you?
- “I can’t seem to stop thinking about the next item on my to-do list.”
- “It’s after working hours, and I’m STILL stressing out about work.”
- “Without me, everything would fall apart.”
- “If I can just make it through this week…”
You’re probably experiencing MAJOR burnout. If you can’t seem to enjoy time to relax, it may be because your brain has been under so much stress that it’s basically become addicted to it!
How Does This Look in Your Daily Life?
Here are some of the situations you might be experiencing:
- Repeatedly putting yourself in stressful situations
- Feeling bored unless you’re under stress (i.e. always looking for something to do, unable to sit down)
- Seeking out drama
- Saying “yes” when you wish you would’ve said “no”
- Giving yourself little to no opportunities for self-care
- Inability to remember the last time you weren’t stressed
How We Fix It: Take Care of Your Mental Health!
Easier said than done, right? No worries there mama, we’ve got you thanks to our friends at the Tuscarawas County Health Department!
Follow these tips to get out of this rut and take care of your mental health!
YOU DESERVE TO FEEL GOOD
Let’s say that again so you feel it in your bones: YOU DESERVE TO FEEL GOOD. If that $6 coffee is the treat that you need to get through a day of dealing with raging kids and housework, DRINK IT. Do you want a foot rub because your feet are killing you? ASK YOUR PARTNER FOR IT. Is your brain overstimulated and you need absolute silence? LOCK YOURSELF IN YOUR ROOM FOR 20 MINUTES.
Treat yourself better than you are right now! You deserve all the beautiful things in this life. Ignore everything else and get in a better headspace.
CHANGE YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT
If your home isn’t bringing you peace, change it! Buy the things that will make you feel happy walking in the door. Clean out all the clutter. Throw all of your kids’ belongings into their rooms and create a happy home environment. Need help with that? Follow this worksheet!
GO OUTSIDE (BONUS: WITH A HOT CUP OF TEA)
Do you know how important it is to go outside? The green landscapes and sunlight are so important for your mental health and wellness! Snag a cup of calming chamomile tea, sit outside in your yard, and breathe in the fresh air while the sun beams healing rays into your skin.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS TO BREAK THE STRESS RESPONSE
Start your day with journaling to reflect on everything the previous day held. Share your dreams, your worries, your goals, and plans of attack for the day. Make a list of three (achievable) tasks for work and three for yourself. If you don’t get to the tasks for work, push it to the next day, but work hard not to compromise on the three tasks for yourself!
Here’s a sample of what that could look like for you:
Mental health awareness month is an excellent opportunity to start prioritizing your mental health. Make a commitment to yourself today to take small steps towards improving your mental health and watch how it positively impacts your life. Remember, good mental health is achievable, and it’s never too late to start.
To check in on your health with physicals, exams, and vaccines, don’t hesitate to call the Tuscarawas County Health Department at (330) 343-5555 x. 1000. Follow along on Facebook (@tchdnow) to stay up to date on the best ways to support your mental health!
Melissa Klatt
Reporting
