The 6 most dangerous, but most underestimated sources of stress

Stress is a part of our lives that we can never completely avoid. Neither should we, because there is also positive stress that gets us moving and promotes our growth and success in life.
In this article, however, we will focus on the type of stress that we want to avoid in our lives because it makes us tired, overstimulated, anxious, exhausted, or dissatisfied. I would like to show you the 6 stress traps that are often overlooked and insidiously take over our daily lives. Being aware of them gives us the opportunity to reduce these stress traps step by step.

1. Multitasking

Talking on the phone while driving, working on emails during a meeting, cooking while watching TV, watching the kids while talking on the phone - it sounds like an efficient way to spend time, right?
Unfortunately, no! In fact, we try to multitask when we feel like we don't have enough time for all of our tasks and activities. For a moment, we feel like - hey, I'm beating the ticking clock.
In reality, the opposite is true. For one thing, our brains are not designed for multitasking because they can only hold one thought at a time. If we do two things at once, our brain has to do a speed run between two streams of thought. This not only consumes an enormous amount of energy, but also triggers a cocktail of stress hormones.
As a result, we make mistakes, have trouble concentrating, and end the day feeling stressed, exhausted, and tired.
Try to plan your day. Do one thing at a time, and put off until the next day anything you can't get done. If you find that the list gets longer and longer at the end of the day, it's clear that you have too much to do and not enough time. At this point, it's time to make some fundamental changes. Make yourself aware of what is really important in life, what you need to do and what you can let go of. Or consciously seek outside help and create a de-stressing plan with a mentor or good friend.

2. Comparing yourself to others

If you base your self-esteem heavily on the opinions of others, or if you constantly feel the need to measure up to others in various areas of your life, this can lead to considerable pressure.
What's more, comparing yourself to others taps into a second source of stress-lack of self-worth. Most people compare themselves only in the areas where others are doing better. This creates a cycle of thoughts and feelings that goes something like this Everyone else is better. I am worse. I am worthless.
These recurring feelings also cause stress and discomfort. It is therefore important that we learn to accept ourselves.
Tip: Of course, it would be best if you stopped comparing yourself to others, but that's almost impossible because we humans have always compared ourselves to others. So it can be helpful to compare yourself realistically more often. Not only with the stars and starlets.
And don't just compare yourself in the area where you are doing badly, compare yourself in all areas of your life and see where you are doing better than others. This reality check can be beneficial and boost your confidence.
It is also useful to periodically compare your past self with your present self. This will allow you to see in which areas you have already developed.

3. Social Isolation and Loneliness
Did you know that people who suffer from loneliness for an extended period of time die earlier on average than those who are socially connected? In fact, loneliness has been found to be as harmful to our health as alcohol or nicotine.
Loneliness, like alcohol and nicotine, causes stress in the body. In addition, when we have interpersonal relationships, we constantly experience happiness hormones that are good for us. When we are constantly lonely, however, we lack these very hormones that could compensate for some of the stress.
However, loneliness should not be confused with consciously being alone, which is very good for our health.
Remedy: If you often feel lonely, it is important to step out of your isolation and make a conscious effort to get in touch. Call that friend you haven't talked to in a while, or take advantage of targeted opportunities like clubs, classes, apps, themed meetings, retreats, Facebook groups, or reconnecting with old friends.
Of course, it's always an effort at first. But sticking with it is worth it and will bring you happiness and a longer life.

4. Lack of sleep
Sleep deprivation is one of the most dangerous stress traps. Too little sleep stresses the body and mind, leading to low mood, difficulty concentrating, and overstimulation. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Make sleep a priority to increase your stress resistance and protect your health.
If you're having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, try the following tips:
- Melatonin supplement
- Sleep meditation
- Stop using your cell phone, laptop, or tablet 120 minutes before you go to bed.
- Drink your last coffee before 2 pm
- Practice conscious breathing while falling asleep (e.g., inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds)
- Eat a light dinner
- Go to bed at the same time every day

5 Always reachable
In today's connected world, we are often available 24/7. Constant emails, calls, and notifications can mean that you can never really unplug because you subconsciously always want to respond immediately. Figuratively speaking, it feels like you want to be doing something in peace and quiet, but every three minutes someone taps you on the shoulder or forehead.
This quickly makes us feel annoyed, confused, and stressed. The latter can be so intense that the constant availability and feeling of always having to respond can lead to burnout.
Tip: Schedule regular breaks from the digital world and create times when you can't be reached by email or phone and don't scroll through social media. At least 1-2 hours a day and at least half a day a week without interruption, e.g. on the weekend. And there's nothing wrong with a longer period of abstinence from time to time.

6. Perfectionism
One of the most dangerous stress traps is perfectionism. You want to do everything perfectly, whether at work, at home, or in your relationships. You are constantly trying to prove yourself, and you unconsciously put yourself in a permanent test-like situation.
Inner tension, pressure of expectation, and disappointment, because no one can do everything perfectly, become your constant companions. It's no wonder that stress hormones soon flood your entire body and mind.

A Little Reminder
It's okay to make mistakes and not be perfect. Sleep isn't an option, it's a necessity. Multitasking isn't always efficient, and you don't always have to be available. Give yourself permission to breathe, unplug, and enjoy life. Your well-being comes first.
Relax and take care of yourself,