Can You Be Addicted to Stress

“It seems silly to be addicted to something that can make you feel overwhelmed and downright miserable, but this is often linked to being overworked, being a perfectionist, and having the thought that the more you try to accomplish, the better off you will be.”

- Andi Byers

Introduction:

If you are someone that seems to be always stressed out, and is constantly looking for more to add to your plate instead of managing the stress you already have, you might be an addict.

It seems silly to be addicted to something that can make you feel overwhelmed and downright miserable, but this is often linked to being overworked, being a perfectionist, and having the thought that the more you try to accomplish, the better off you will be.

Keep reading to learn more about stress, how it can be an addiction, and what you can do about it.

What does being addicted to stress look like?

1. Never having any free time

To start with, if you feel like you never have free time, you might be addicted to stress. Even people who are incredibly busy most of the time and have a busy schedule, still have at least a little free time. If you have absolutely any free time 7 days a week, it is more likely that you are seeking more things out to fill your schedule.

2. Constantly packing your schedule

Similarly, you might be constantly looking for more to fill your schedule with. Maybe you notice that when you have a day off over the weekend, you almost look for more to do. You offer to help others, you add on more tasks to the task you are already working on, you try to learn something new.

There is nothing wrong with working hard and getting ahead in your life, but there is something wrong with feeling like you have to. This is a big sign that you could be addicted to the stress and overwhelm that a busy life brings you.

3. Being bored when you have nothing to do

For those rare occasions when you have nothing to do and no plans, are you bored? Do you struggle with what to do with your time? Do you feel uneasy when you have free time? This could eb another sign of being addicted to the stress.

4. Feeling more accomplished when you are busier

You might be someone who feels more accomplished the busier you are. That somehow lack of sleep and 80-hour work weeks and never having time for friends and family just means you are working harder than them, dreaming big, and being more accomplished. This Is not a healthy attitude to have. As a human being, you need rest, both for your mind and your body.

How to Get a Handle on Your Stress Addiction

If any of this sounds like you, now is a good time to handle the stress addiction. You first need to come to terms with the fact that you are dealing with chronic stress and that you might be seeking it out. You need to understand that everyone needs a break and that stress is common, but not normal.

 The next steps include working to reduce your stress in simple ways. This can be something as small as saying no to one thing this week, or having at least a few hours a week of free time, then work up to a day and then an entire weekend.

 Make small changes, and you will notice the difference very quickly.