Why Are We All So Stressed And What Can We Do To Fix It?

Jun 20, 2011
Kimberly Cass

Do It Faster, Better, Quicker - with permission by: G. Fisher

In a fast-paced world, it's no surprise that stress and anxiety levels are climbing. But what can we do about it and how do we find inner peace and calm?

It’s no secret that we live in a fast paced world. Society places a great deal of emphasis on being successful in every aspect of life. You must be the best in your career, be the best parent, drive the best car, have the biggest house, have the best physical appearance and be intellectually superior. Millions of people are in record levels of debt and are losing their jobs and homes. It’s no wonder there are so many people who are incapacitated by severe stress and suffer from stress-related symptoms.

Many people become dependent on prescription drugs to reduce stress levels. The stress of living in the 21st century can take its toll if we aren’t careful. Although some stress is a normal part of everyday life, when it affects your quality of life in a negative way, it becomes a problem.

According to HealthyMinds.org, anxiety disorders are among the most common emotional disorders and affect more than 25 million Americans.

Why is Stress so Commonplace?

Many find it frustrating that a significant portion of stress is self-manufactured. It’s partially due to a very connected society where we all expect instant results and gratification.

"Our being connected to everyone all the time is a good thing and a bad thing," explained Dr. David Spiegel, a professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Very few of us are taking the time to unplug and de-stress. While many do, indeed, recognize that stress has a negative affect on health, very few people are motivated to actually do anything about it until they become ill, gain weight or experience other adverse consequences.

What ever happened to the art of relaxation?

Tension, anxiety and stress can be damaging to your body and lowers the immune system. Americans are riddled with stress and it’s making them sick.

Ways to relax and calming techniques include:

Therapeutic Massage can be "ahh-inspiring" for the mind, body and soul. It also serves to relaxe muscles and it calms the mind.
Read a good book in quiet surroundings. A mental escape with no distractions.
Swim for an all-over sensual experience that anyone can enjoy at any age. Swimming works all of the muscles in the body.
Take a hot bath for muscle relaxation
Interact with people who make you happy and make you laugh. Healthy social interactions are vital to emotional well-being. Surround yourself with happy people. Those with constant drama and a nervous, angry energy tend to rub off in a negative way and can be draining.
Have a glass of wine, but just one, as you unwind.
Sit outdoors and breathe in fresh air.
Go see a movie, preferably a comedy because fast-paced action movies can elevate stress levels and that’s what we are trying to avoid here.
Spend time with a pet. According to Nazario Brunilda of Medicine.com, owning a pet can help you ward off depression; it also lowers blood pressure and boosts immunity.
Exercise may seem counterproductive if you are already tired, but burning off excess stress can help relieve tension and it can lead to better sleep.
Turn off the evening news. For some people, stories of bombings, murders, fires and the National debt can induce stress.
Unplug. You do not have to be available every moment of every day via texts, cell phone calls and emails.
Go to a spa, as they're all about relaxation and stress reduction.
Try meditation or yoga.
Turn on your favorite, relaxing music. Music can quickly transport you to a better place.

Remember: You are in charge of your own body.

No one else is going to magically “fix” you. If your stress is chronic, you may need to seek professional help and there is nothing wrong with that. Stress is basically a lack of feeling of control and panic. We all have it, some just don’t admit it! Learning to breath deeply and think through things can bring stress levels down. Quiet your inner critic; you are more than good enough. There are many ways to cope with stress and ease anxiety. Find the stress reduction and relaxation techniques that work for you…and in the meantime, and go easy on yourself.