“Stress has a big picture problem! It’s very beneficial: it gives strength and energy,” says Koijsten. “The problem isn’t actually stress, but insufficient recovery after stress. We don’t feel like it or don’t have time for it,” she says. in money or your life He gave them three keys to coping:
1. Make more choices.
Stress regulation can be strengthened by making more choices, Koijsten says. “We don’t choose!” Says. “It’s like standing at the all-you-can-eat buffet all day and thinking about it all: Hmm! And before you know it, you’ve loaded twenty dishes and don’t know how to get rid of it…”
We do the same with information, says the sociologist: we are always busy with everything at the same time, overburdening our brains. “I always say: if you’re hunting elephants, don’t be distracted by chasing rabbits.”
2. Put away your cell phone
It seems like a no-brainer, but many people try to relax with their phones after a stressful day. Don’t, Koijsten says. “You just have to look outside a bit, take a walk, water the plants… You used to have all the natural moments of rest: waiting for the train, a moment of boredom, we just don’t have that anymore.” According to her, recovery from stress is disastrous.
3. Find out what is stressing you
Stress varies from person to person. One gets stressed from meetings, the other gets stressed from traffic jams. Many people don’t realize exactly what’s causing them stress, Koijsten says, so the “stress department” in their heads can quickly become very busy. If you discover in yourself what is causing you stress, you can stop or reduce it, Koijsten says.
