Stress: How breaks in everyday life help to be less stressed

Especially when vacation photos of great beaches, clear lakes or the turquoise sea are on Instagram, it can be frustration with those who cannot go on a relaxing vacation. And instead are stressed by their everyday life. The good news: it doesn’t always take the big vacation, we can find a break even in small everyday flights.

Stress – many people know that in the Federal Republic: According to a study by the Techniker Krankenkasse, every fourth German often feels stressed. 1000 people over the age of 18 have been interviewed for the representative survey. The reasons for stress can be varied. But many people get into stress because they treat themselves too few breaks, charge too much and are under time pressure.

Stress arises for the psyche when we are in an unpleasant situation and do not feel able to master the requirements. The body also reacts to stress – this is justified. If we are under stress, he prepares himself extremely quickly for a combat or escape reaction. Why the whole thing? It is a preparation to cope with (life) dangerous situations. This lightning -fast reaction was useful on the run from wild animals – energy had to be provided to be able to flee or fight.

What exactly works in the event of stress: In the brain, the sympathicus, part of the vegetative nervous system, is activated. This releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol that put the body into an alarm state. The result: accelerated breathing and rising pulse frequency. An important reaction in dangerous situations. But the stress in everyday life constantly causes this reaction, the negative effect and the stress can cause psychological and cardiovascular diseases.

Many people find it difficult to treat themselves to a little break, especially in stressful times or to incorporate things in everyday life that they like to do. A pattern quickly sneaks up and every weekday looks like: getting up, work, quickly eating something, watching a series on the couch and then to bed. Anyone who changes such stuck processes and allows small everyday flights will notice a positive effect.

Studies show that people who give themselves time and do self-care are less stressed and improve their quality of life compared to those who do not do this. Self -care does not mean that we need an elaborate excursion or vacation. Time for yourself can also be accommodated in everyday life. Take a hot bath, cook a delicious food, read a book, take a walk or light a few candles. If you get time for yourself, you can focus on your own needs. For the beginning, it can help to enter “solo dates” in the calendar so that time is really anchored with itself in everyday life. Because these little moments can reduce stress.

2. focus On the present!

An important point in everyday flight is the focus on the here and now. So like to put the smartphone in flight mode and concentrate on the activity. This concentration on the moment also use mindfulness practices such as meditation. The focus on the present helps not to grieve or worry about the future because of the past.

Anyone who tends to think about problems in everyday life and is often frustrated can try to focus more on the things that were good. It can help if you write down three things every evening that happened during the day and for which you are grateful. A grateful basic attitude can have a positive effect on the mood and help us to be less stressed.

4. A break with the pet

Anyone who has a furry contemporary at home knows anyway. Anyone who cuddles with the dog is less stressed. When we stroke our cat or rabbit, our body releases the binding hormone oxytocin. And the hormone not only strengthens our bond – it is also a mood uphill!

5. Go through life with open eyes

Sometimes it is difficult to find things that give us joy. But it has to be nothing special: it can also be the little moments that make us forget everyday life for a few minutes. To do this, we just have to walk through the world with open eyes. So we can see the cat sitting in the window, experience a sunset, let us infect the laughter of a child, notice the wonderful fragrance from the strawberry stand or hear the bird chirping.

6. Looking for things that are fun

If you don’t know exactly what can bring you or her in everyday life, you should remember your childhood. Perhaps something can be warmed up from past days, which has brought fun. Or you are looking for a new hobby. Learning a new activity can also help reduce stress.

7. Times in nature

Whether a round in the park, in the forest, a lake or to the sea – depending on the place of residence, we can also flee to nature for half an hour in everyday life. Studies show that it helps us to better deal with stress. You can find out why the sea makes us so happy here.

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