{"id":1519,"date":"2023-08-23T10:34:53","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T15:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/agri-search.com\/?p=1519"},"modified":"2023-10-31T13:49:16","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T18:49:16","slug":"are-we-addicted-to-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/agri-search.com\/are-we-addicted-to-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"Are We Addicted to Stress?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are We Addicted to Stress?<\/strong><\/p>\n

For many, pending deadlines and packed schedules are not overwhelming, but instead can be a driving force that pushes them toward greater productivity. \u00a0We have processes to streamline, goals to achieve, promotions to earn, debt to eliminate, exercise regimes to master, dreams to chase, and people to help and inspire. \u00a0The \u201cI work best under pressure\u201d mantra environment creates a Catch-22; we get frustrated with ongoing stress, but we perform at the highest level of effectiveness and efficiency when under the exact stress we try to escape.<\/p>\n

For some, busyness can be reassuring; a feeling of constant forward-motion and accomplishment is much preferred over being stagnant or empty. \u00a0That reassurance can come with an eventual price \u2013 stress, while beneficial in moderate amounts, is harmful in excessive amounts, as are most things.<\/p>\n

Can We Become Addicted?<\/strong>
\nThe present hysteria is not an obligatory or inevitable condition of life; it\u2019s something we\u2019ve chosen, if only by our acquiescence to it. \u00a0Heidi Hanna, author of \u201cStressaholic: 5 Steps to Transform Your Relationship with Stress,\u201d argues that multiple demands on our time and energy have created a neurochemical dependence on stress. \u00a0By activating the dopamine reward center in the brain that feeds us feel-good endorphins, stress can temporarily boost performance, explaining why some appear to get so much done when under extreme pressure.<\/p>\n

Just like a drug, the feelings of stress and preoccupation are extremely addictive. \u00a0The transition between being hyper-busy to more reasonable levels of activity may be a foreign feeling and withdrawal symptoms may come along with it. \u00a0When one becomes addicted to non-stop thinking, worrying, striving, efforting, achieving, straining and stressing, allowing oneself to be truly relaxed and simply breathe can be an adjustment. \u00a0It may even feel boring!<\/p>\n

Simplifying and Balancing<\/strong>
\nIf you are a self-diagnosed \u201cstress junkie\u201d, start by asking yourself a few simple questions to be sure your efforts support your true intentions:<\/p>\n