We’re not halfway into the year yet and it seems like the world has gone insane. Between the locust invasion in East Africa, Coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world and climate change, it’s easy to be anxious and stressed.
If you are looking to reduce stress, here are a few things you should consider letting go of for your own sanity.
1) Dwelling on the past.
Moving on can be difficult, especially if you are holding on to something that cuts deep down. However, holding on to hurt will not help you heal or change the past. It’s better to focus on what you can change – yourself. Your past doesn’t define you. Treat your mistakes are lessons and use them to grow.
How do you move on? Accept that whatever happened can’t be changed, forgive yourself and others and grow from the experience.
2) Social media comparison
It’s not a myth that social media can affect your mental health. In a world of curated perfection, it’s easy to constantly feel anxious.
If you consume yourself with comparing your life with that of others, you can never be truly grateful for yours.
Be thankful for how far you’ve gone and work to ensure that many doors of opportunities open for me.
3) Over-Scheduling
If you are taking on so much that you feel like you are stretching yourself beyond your limits, you might be suffering from ‘yes’ syndrome. Constantly saying “yes” without thinking or checking whether things fit with your goals is unhealthy. It’ll leave you constantly busy with little productivity.
To break this habit, focus on your priorities. To check yourself, here are a few questions to ask yourself before you say yes:
- Will it stop me from having time for me?
- Am I saying “yes” because I feel bad or guilty?
- Will saying “yes” delay me or lead me closer to my goals?
- Am I automatically saying “yes” without thinking about it?
- Will saying “yes” stop me from relaxing, having fun and spending quality time with family and friends?
4) Not auditing my circle
While forming relationships is important, you need to manage your inner circle personally and professionally. For instance, if you have close friends who don’t support and push you to become the best version of yourself, it’s time to take a look and ask – “Who am I associating myself with?”
Whether you are networking up, down or sideways, always focus on maintaining relationships that build you up.
5) Not practising self-care
Even computers need sleep. Even the most effective systems in the world need a rest period. The human body works the same way. When you push your body to its limits without getting rest, there are very serious health consequences – I’ve been there.
If you are running a chaotic schedule, integrate breaks into your schedule, book regular checkups with your doctor to hold yourself accountable, and make time to do the things you enjoy.
Take your rest as seriously as you take your grind.
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