AGE OF ANXIETY

Category: Repeat 

Nowadays many of us r under d constant pressure 2 flawlessly play different roles in our lives, both from private and professional perspective: role of being exemplary employee, manager, husband/wife, student, son/daughter, mother/father... u name it. Being exposed 2 such pressure and expectations of others over a longer period inevitably result in increased cortisol levels and occurrence of stress. 

Even if various ppl cope with stress in different ways and with changing levels of effectiveness, some symptoms r common 4 all. It often starts with symptoms like insomnia, anxiety or hypertension, while in heavier cases it results in panic attacks, depression, aggressive behavior or even worse. In today's hyper-busy world painkillers and anti-depressants r selling like crazy, anxiety disorders and social phobias r among most common issues, shrinks also often have shrinks... even d toughest ppl sometimes tend 2 break where they r d weakest. In short, remaining healthy balance between private and professional life was never more challenging 2 achieve. 

In case u decided 2 pursue a career, it's quite likely that u've found yourself living/working in a bigger city where stress levels r usually higher and u won't be able 2 avoid it - u simply need 2 learn 2 live with it and overcome it. In their attempts 2 ensure a better future, many ppl end up in d "vicious circle of trying 2 achieve more by sacrificing more". In this process they commonly neglect themselves, their friends and/or family and end up spending most of d money they earn 2 get their life back on track. Remember u can't put a price on "things" like peace, friends or health. On d other hand, according 2 some relevant studies ~80 % of all d stress we experience in life is self initiated, which means u actually have direct influence over d stressor (source of d stress). In many occasions we willingly decide 2 play d roles others intended 4 us or we simply forger 2 put ourselves 1st. 

Here r few paradoxes we tend 2 accept in this regard:

•  good manager is constantly busy
•  it's more important 2 please others 1st, than 2 think of yourself
• there is such thing as a healthy dose of stress

If u ask me, being constantly busy is actually trait of a bad manager since good managers mastered time management, prioritizing & delegating skills that allow them 2 work smarter, not always harder. Good managers know how important is 2 take breaks and relax 2 stay on top of their game. Before they start doing sth, they take a moment and think about d end results and most effective ways of achieving it, not necessarily brainlessly start doing things as been instructed 2. 

On d 2nd note, it's totally ok 2 put yourself 1st. Therefore, find your "sweet eacape" and indulge in d things that make u happy and that help u put your mind @ ease... and remember not 2 apologize yourself 2 anybody... u work hard 4 it and u deserve it! 

In order 2 prevent d burn-out, simply learn 2 listen 2 your body and don't forger about your mind - develop your own mental and physical coping mechanisms. Here r some more or less common stuff/activities which should help u minimize d stress or anxiety levels: exercise, sunlight, healthy food in general (especially things which stimulate good mood, like bananas or cinnamon 4 example), sex, laughter, meditation, spending time in nature (or even only looking @ green color), etc.  Also, be sure 2 surround yourself with positive toughs and ppl who give u energy, not drain it. 

In any case, remember u have great control over it and it's mostly your choice. So, find d combination of coping mechanizes that work best 4 u and deal with stress or anxiety before it gets 2 serious. And remember 2 have fun during d transformation process.