10 ways you might be the source of your own stress …

In reviewing some articles this morning, one began by noting how “life stresses us out.” That phrase made me stop short, largely because for many people it’s not an accurate statement.

We tend to think “life stresses us out,” but in many cases, we’re the cause of our own stress!

Here are just 10 ways we can foster the stress we struggle with:

1. Negative thinking patterns. This includes ruminating on past mistakes, catastrophizing about the future, and dwelling on negative self-talk. Our brains are inclined for negativity bias, but we can challenge these patterns and cultivate a more optimistic (or more rational) outlook.

2. Perfectionism. Striving for flawlessness can be paralyzing and lead to disappointment. When we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves, we set ourselves up for stress. We can lift the irrational stress of perfectionism by learning to pursue excellence rather than fostering and feeding perfectionistic tendencies.

3. Poor time management. Procrastination and feeling overwhelmed by to-do lists are major sources of stress. Not saying no and overloading your calendar is a direct creator of stress. And an unwillingness to exercise some measure of self-discipline will routinely result in poor time management.

4. Lack of appropriate boundaries. People who have difficulty saying no or struggle to set appropriate boundaries with work, friends, or family can find themselves feeling constantly stretched thin.

5. Social media. Constant comparison and the curated perfection we see online can damage self-esteem and contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Daily drowning yourself in negative news of all that’s bad happening in the world will also lead to feelings of being overwhelmed.

6. Neglecting appropriate self-care. When we don’t prioritize sleep, healthy eating, exercise, and relaxation, we deplete our resilience and make ourselves more susceptible to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

7. Ignoring unhealthy relationships. The Bible calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This can include offering forgiveness and seeking reconciliation in challenging relationships. However, it doesn’t mean we must allow toxic and/or unhealthy situations that cause harm or distress to be a continuing part of relationships. We can seek guidance from trusted friends, church leaders, or Christian counselors to navigate these situations in a way that honors God and appropriately protects our well-being.

8. Trying to control the uncontrollable. Trying to control everything in our lives is a recipe for stress. Life is inherently uncertain, and learning to accept that is an important part of managing stress.

9. Not taking breaks. We all need downtime to recharge. Pushing ourselves too hard without allowing for rest and relaxation leads to burnout.

10. Unhealthy habits. This can include things like smoking, excessive caffeine intake, or poor diet. These and other such habits can worsen stress symptoms and make it harder to cope.

If you want less stress in your life, take some time to assess how you might be the cause for much of it, then make appropriate adjustments.

Scotty