Modern life is incredible. There have been countless innovations in the last few decades that have changed the world for the better. However, stress is also at an all-time high. People complain about mental fatigue all the time, and many don’t know how to relax in today’s fast-paced, contemporary society. Here are the leading modern life stressors:
1. Poor Coping Mechanisms
Stress has always been a part of everyday life. Unfortunately, too many people cope with stress in unhealthy ways. They may overindulge in fatty foods, drink too much caffeine, turn to alcohol, or smoke cigarettes. Finding healthier stress-release mechanisms is essential. For example, enjoying mobile massage therapy at work or soaking in a hot bath can help a person decompress. These simple activities soothe tight muscles, promote deep breathing, and help combat stress.
2. Never Unplugging from Technology
Technology makes it possible to stay connected around the clock. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices mean people can always keep track of the world around them. Being connected has its advantages, but never unplugging is also a leading cause of stress. Constantly checking emails means employees end up working on their days off. Even mindless social media scrolling can make a person feel inadequate. Detoxing from these devices on occasion can boost a person’s mental health.
3. Trying to Be Superman (or Superwoman)
Modern humans have this burning desire to succeed at everything. They falsely believe they have enough time to be the best parent, scale the corporate ladder, travel the world, and solve world hunger. There are only 24 hours in a day, but that doesn’t stop people from trying to do it all at once. This mindset only leads to stress and burnout. Instead of trying to be superhuman, it’s healthier to tackle one thing at a time.
4. Lacking Firm Goals and Visions
The world has so much to offer, but much of the population wanders through life without any real focus. Instead, they put the needs of others first and lose sight of themselves. This way of thinking can cause stress and depression. People need to look in the mirror and ask themselves what they really want out of life. Where do they hope to see themselves in the next five years? Answering this question puts a new perspective on everything. Prioritizing what’s truly important will improve a person’s focus, reduce stress, and help them set meaningful goals.
5. Unreletting Stimulation
Humans are diurnal animals by nature, but the modern world is always open for business. There is constant stimulation, no matter the time of day. Noise pollution, visual pollution, and even air pollution keep people in a continuous state of arousal and awareness. While some stimulation is healthy, too much can send the brain into overdrive. Eventually, too much stimulation can also lead to high blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat, and chronic stress.
De-Stressing in a Stressful World
Modern life continues to evolve at a rapid pace. No one knows how much more innovation the world will see even twenty years from now. If humans want to keep up with these changes, it’s crucial to keep stress at a minimum. Finding time to meditate and calm the mind is a must in this nonstop, exciting world. Taking a few minutes each day to close your eyes and relax may be all it takes to overcome the stressors of modern life.