PODCAST EP:18 “Are You Addicted To Stress?”
Welcome back! Today I delve into a topic that has been recurring in recent conversations with clients and friends: the addiction to stress. It's a concept that may sound strange, but many individuals become so accustomed to stress that they find it challenging to be happy and content when things are calm. I want to explore with you the detrimental effects of chronic stress and shed light on how it can affect our overall happiness and well-being.
As human beings, we adapt to the circumstances and environments we find ourselves in. If stress becomes a constant presence in our lives, our bodies adjust to it by releasing adrenaline and cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, this constant release of cortisol leads us to perceive stress as the norm. We become accustomed to feeling overwhelmed, on the verge of a mental breakdown, or even experiencing physical symptoms of stress. However, it's important to recognize that life shouldn't be consistently run by stress and overwhelm.
When stress becomes our default mode, transitioning to a stress-free life can feel uncomfortable and even trigger feelings of anxiety or a sense that something must be wrong. I share my personal experience of transitioning from a highly stressful job to a stress-free life as a self-employed individual. Initially, I found it challenging to embrace the calm and happiness because I had become so accustomed to stress. The absence of stress made me question whether I had forgotten something or if there was an impending disaster waiting to happen.
To further explore the addiction to stress, I recount a conversation with a woman who reached out to me on Instagram. She felt uninspired and contemplated quitting her successful career in the hair industry. Through our discussion, I emphasized that although she may not personally feel the impact of hair transformations, her clients do. Hair plays a significant role in their self-confidence and identity. I encouraged her to recognize the difference she was already making in people's lives, even if it wasn't in the way she had expected. This conversation highlighted the importance of seeking happiness beyond personal feelings and focusing on the positive impact we have on others.
The normalization of stress addiction can also be deeply rooted in personal traumas experienced throughout life. Past traumas can cause the body to remain in a constant state of fight or flight, releasing cortisol and adrenaline as coping mechanisms. Over time, individuals become familiar with this stress response, making it difficult to break free from its grip. Seeking therapy or professional guidance can be instrumental in recognizing and addressing the underlying trauma and learning healthier ways to cope with stress.
While it's essential to differentiate between healthy growth and stress addiction, it's crucial to acknowledge that wanting to improve and achieve more doesn't necessarily equate to being addicted to stress. Growth and ambition can coexist with happiness and contentment. I emphasize that there are healthy ways to strive for personal and professional development without succumbing to chronic stress.
Let's redefine our relationship with stress and make room for a life that doesn't rely on constant turmoil. Growing and striving for more doesn't mean perpetually subjecting ourselves to stress and overwhelm. Healthy growth can be pursued with a sense of peace and balance. Remember, happiness isn't a luxury; it's our birthright. So break free from the addiction to stress and create a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and genuine well-being.
xo, Ani