The guilt for not working during rest is not a personal affliction anymore; it is a universal thing now!
In essence, "stresslaxing" combines "stress" and "relaxing," describing the paradoxical state where someone tries to unwind but remains anxious or stressed. It is the kind of situation where you're lounging on the couch with a book or movie, attempting to chill out, yet your mind will not stop chasing after unfinished business. For those who feel guilty for not working, the toll impacts the mind and body.
Physically, stresslaxing can lead to muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue because the body is caught between the desire to relax and the ongoing stress response. The mind, meanwhile, remains on high alert, which can prevent true relaxation and recovery. This can result in a cycle where you're never fully rested, leading to chronic stress and burnout.
Why stresslaxing is a major concern?
During stresslaxing, the body remains in a state of low-level tension even while trying to relax. This can cause muscle contraction, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. Over time, this persistent tension can lead to muscle pain, and stiffness and trigger headaches or migraines. The body’s inability to fully relax perpetuates the stress response, preventing the release of stress hormones like cortisol, exacerbating muscle discomfort.
When the mind oscillates between stress and relaxation, sleep can become fragmented or elusive. The mind might race with worries or unresolved thoughts, preventing a deep and restful sleep. A restless mind prevents from falling asleep, and cause frequent waking during the night or waking up feeling unrested. Chronic sleep disruption impacts cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall physical health, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue and stress.
Stresslaxing keeps the brain in a heightened state of alertness, even when it is supposed to be winding down. This constant low-level stress can impair cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and decision-making. The brain becomes less efficient at processing information and more prone to making errors. This strain can be too overwhelming to manage, and lead to reduced productivity, and even burnout.
The paradox of trying to relax while still feeling stressed can lead to frustration, irritability, and a sense of helplessness. This emotional dissonance can intensify feelings of anxiety or depression as the individual struggles to achieve a state of calm. The inability to fully relax can also diminish the enjoyment of leisure activities, leading to a reduced sense of satisfaction and an increased sense of unease or dissatisfaction with life.
Chronic stress, even at a low level, can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Stresslaxing prevents the body from entering a true state of relaxation, which is crucial for immune function. When the body is constantly under stress, it produces fewer immune cells and the immune response becomes less effective. Over time, this can lead to an increased frequency of colds, flu, and other infections, as well as slower recovery times.
Regular stresslaxing can erode the body’s natural ability to cope with stress. Normally, periods of relaxation allow the body to recover and build resilience against future stressors. However, when relaxation is incomplete due to lingering stress, the body remains in a heightened state of alert. Over time, this reduces the body’s ability to bounce back from stress, making it more susceptible to anxiety, burnout, and other stress-related conditions. The lack of true downtime impairs the body's capacity to regulate stress responses, leading to a cycle of increasing stress and decreasing resilience.
Engaging in calming activities and trying something innovative for relaxation could help in keeping work from encroaching on personal space.
