Guest Post by Marie Miguel

With that said, too much stress can cause you to lose motivation, which in turn makes you more stressed.

Besides that, too much stress can have health effects on you. It can change your appearance, make your heart beat faster, raise your blood pressure, and more. A healthy level of stress is needed if you want to live a long, healthy life.

There are many reasons why stress can happen, and sometimes, we may do something that sounds good, but ends up stressing us more. Here are some common practices that may increase your stress levels, and what you can do to stop them.

Drinking Too Much Caffeine

A nice cup of coffee can be just what you need to start your day. You go from a zombie to a somewhat productive member of society. However, many people drink too much caffeine and too much caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system, which can lead to stress. If you find yourself drinking caffeinated beverages all day, perhaps you should cut back.

In addition, there are other foods and drinks that can make you more stressed. Some people drink a glass of wine to calm themselves, but too much alcohol can lead to stress as well. Foods high in sugar or salt may be a reason why you’re stressed too.

Working Too Much

Some people are proud workaholics. They work whenever they can. When they’re not at work, they’re still busy, not resting until everything they want is done. Some are just programmed this way, but it may lead to feeling overstressed. Take a look at your current workload. See if there’s anything you can drop or save for later. Sometimes, it’s okay to say no. Saying no just means you know your limits and realize that by doing too much, your stress can affect the quality of the work you do have on you.

We all want to be productive members of society, but we are humans. We need time to unwind and time to have fun. No matter how you were raised, don’t forget this. You’ll be glad if you have more time to yourself.

Too Much Social Media

 Social media is something we need in today’s world. It’s a great way to stay connected to friends, a valuable tool for work, and it lets you express what’s on your mind. However, too much social media, as well as seeing the wrong content, can make you stressed.

There are many reasons why social media can make you stressed. Spending too much time on it can cut into your productive hours, making you crunch. Always seeing negativity on social media can rub off on you. Everyone loves to fear-monger, divide, and just complain. It can make you stressed too. Useless social media if possible. Unfollow anyone who is making you stressed, and clean up your profile to the best of your ability.

These are just a few activities that can cause stress. By taking a hard look at your life, you can help eliminate multiple sources of stress and live a more productive, healthier life.

However, if you still feel stress out, there may be more than just a hectic life. There may be a mental disorder that has been unchecked, and by seeking therapy, you can get to the bottom of your stress. There is no shame in speaking to a counselor or psychiatrist if you feel like life has you too stressed.

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.