Avoid stress

As far as our own stress assessment is concerned, the current statistics are alarming: around 80% of all Germans suffer from stress, 90% of schoolchildren and 95% of housewives.

Everyone needs positive stress - also known as eustress - as it pushes us to look for solutions and achieve goals. In a state of stress, the body releases stress hormones. A period of stress should always be followed by a period of relaxation in order to stay healthy long-term. Without periods of relaxation, psychological and organic health problems such as burnout, obesity, arteriosclerosis and heart attacks are unavoidable. Dysstress is considered a relevant health risk by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In his book "Time is life, life is time", the "time pope" Lothar Seiwert gives tips for a relaxed, unstressed life.

Follow your own biorhythm
Between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. you are particularly productive, between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. you need a break. Between 5 and 7 p.m. is the best time for sport. The deepest sleep is between 11 pm and 1 am.

Set your own pace
Everyone has their own time needs for repetitive actions, e.g. getting up in the morning. People who live at their own pace do not suffer burnout.

Slowness
It is relaxing to walk slowly at least once a day for 10 minutes, consciously walking and taking in your surroundings. By driving slowly, you can reach your destination in a relaxed manner and protect your health.

Be unattainable
You can enjoy pure "me time" by switching off your phone, cell phone and computer, which can seem strange at first.

Saying “no”
The two letters create freedom by refusing tasks and canceling appointments.

Clear out and prioritize
Unnecessary material and mental baggage blocks and stresses you out. Refusing and concentrating on a few life roles gives you back time and makes you happy.

Keep things in order
Every item has its fixed place, unnecessary searching time is eliminated. An overview is also good for your well-being.

Honor the simple
omplex processes and technical devices with many functions take away time and nerves. Simple, goal-oriented processes are better.

Be mindful
According to Seiwert, the “moment is the benchmark for the art of living”. It is an art to consciously perceive yourself and your environment, e.g. movement, breathing and perception of nature.

Enjoy pauses
Unforeseen breaks are a gift of time. The waiting time can be used for meaningful activities by carrying tasks with you.

Be self-determined
A lack of personal life planning leads to heteronomy. Actively shaping your life pays off and makes you happy.

Use your skills and delegate
Those who consciously use their strengths are more successful and less stressed. On the other hand, it is best to delegate functions that someone else does equally well. Both sides benefit from delegating.

Don't be perfect
Excessive demands on yourself are time-consuming and lead to constant stress. An 80% result is usually sufficient.

Plan generously
If only half of the day is planned, there is enough time for unforeseen events.

Don't postpone anything
Tasks that are completed immediately are no longer stressful. So: routine tasks and unpleasant things should be done immediately before they cause stress.

Look for feelings of happiness
The best fulfillment is experienced in creative activity, in which you become absorbed and forget about everyday problems. This “flow” can be achieved through a hobby, sports activities, social engagement or meditation.

“Discern important” from “urgent”
Important tasks affect your own life with a self-determining character. Important projects can be realized in regular appointments. Urgent tasks, on the other hand, come from other people, seem externally determined and stressful.

Have a master plan
If you plan your life long-term with realistic goals, you can concentrate on the important tasks, use your time meaningfully and are immune from wasting time.

Tags: Stress;, Eustress, Dysstress, Self-determination